Group Project

 

Compared to most projects, we had an exceptionally good group charisma. All members of my group actively participated and were at all meetings outside of the classroom.  As far as the project itself, we decided to make a Visual Communications for Dummies book which is a 3-D as well as a 2-D graphic that describes the  numerous topics discussed in class.  Originally, we brainstormed ideas for the project but felt that the most efficient way to illustrate our project was through a book.  We then started brainstorming the most important topics that we covered and sectioned them off into chapters.  This allows the viewer to remember our project in sections.  As we began putting our project together, we realized that we covered a lot of topics which was necessary to get the main ideas across to our persona.  As far as establishing our persona, we had fun coming up with an ideal visual communications student. This allowed us to use our imaginations and forget about the curriculum aspect.  Looking back on this project, I feel we did a good job getting the main ideas across to our viewer.

Multivariate

For my multivariate chart I chose to use the random sample of 100 students to determine their preference of caffeine when studying for finals.  To add to my original bar graph, I utilized a line graph which shows the correlation of Mg of caffeine in each beverage. The addition of the line graph is confusing at first but with the addition of the legend the viewer is able to distinguish the difference. This multivariate distinguishes the differences in the amount of caffeine per energy drink.  To gather my information I utilized a survey I used for student government as well as the internet to find the amount of caffeine in each drink.  Once I completed the assignment I realized that the amount of fluid ounces was different but that it did not matter because each amount of caffeine is based on 1 serving size.  This graph shows multiple factual information but is easy for the viewer to understand.

The first story board I composed consisted of one of the four pictures.  I decided to pick a picture that interested me personally which was the children playing soccer.  I have a strong passion for sports and felt I could closely relate to the topic.  I placed the picture in the second frame of my story board to show the progression of age through time.  I named the story board Practice Makes Perfect because I showed the process of what it takes to be crowned FIFA World Champion.  This assignment was enjoyable and allowed me to think freely.

The second story board I made is similar to my first but on a different aspect of sports as a whole.  The name of this story is Every Team has a Coach which highlights the importance of a leader.  I chose the same picture from the previous story board with the addition of the black male with his hands crossed.  I portrayed the man as praying for his team to win the game.  Since coaches do not always win, the last picture I chose resembles their importance. Every team has a coach to keep their players head up and to make the best of every situation, regardless of the outcome.  For this assignment, I looked at the four pictures we were able to choose from and picked the ones I felt were closely related.  I do not feel any of the other pictures could have been compiled into a story board unless they are going from subject-to-subject.  For both of my story boards I chose Moment-to-Moment because I like to show progression over time.  I enjoyed this assignment because it made me feel like I was writing a childrens novel.

Simple Tables: What is your favorite form of caffeine while studying for finals?

This assignment was easy to gather information because I already had a survey of the junior classes preference when it comes to energy drinks while studying for finals.  I utilized survey monkey and then put my information in a chart on Excel.  According to Tufte, I feel he would choose the bar graph because it is easy to distinguish the differences between each option.  The bar graph uses minimal space and is simplicsitc compared to the other graphics. I feel if I made the colors different for each option it would help identify each option.  However, I feel the pie chart does not clarify whether Monster or Red Bull is more popular because the sections look identical to eachother.  I feel the line gragh is easy to understand but like the pie chart, it is hard to distinguish the difference between Monster and Red Bull.  This assignment was fun because it allows you to physically see the difference between each student's response.

How to Research Dual-Coding using Google Scolar

After completing the Amazon flow chart, I realized that Google is much more user friendly and involves less steps. I decided to research dual-coding and the first link available was by Allan Paivio.  I utilized the same shapes with the addition of the Document shape because it represents the information I researched.  Before I started the steps, I went through the process and wrote down every necessary action to find the correct document regarding dual-coding.  I also used red and orange to represent warm colors that show you are on track as well as blue (cold color) to resemble you need to take another course of action.  I felt this assignment was beneficial because I have never used Google scholar in my life; It appears to be very valuable.

How to Buy a Book on Amazon

 My first flow chart reduces the cognitive load by utilizing colors and a unique arrangement.  I used a combination of Preparation (Hexagon) and Terminator (oval) shapes to start the beginning and end of the process. I also drew the Process shape (square) to show the basic steps.  This was a fun exercise but I felt the aha moment after I completed the assignment.   After I finished coloring in my sketch, I realized it almost looked like a person either dancing or sitting in a chair. So....

...I made a mock advertisement that I feel could possibly be used in a magazine. 

Information Graphic

Prior to starting this assignment I was unsure whether to create my own graphic or edit one already made.  I decided to compose my own which consisted of the Inter-Class Council.  This is an organization of which is a big part of my life.  I decided to take a snapshot of the General Assembly meetings as each student is sitting in their actual seat.  The audience of my graphic appeals to incoming freshmen looking to get involved.  Looking at this graphic, the cognitive load is overwhelmed because the information is not organized in a manner that can be easily understood.  I then took the actual seating chart and composed an organizational hierarchy which reduced the cognitive load.  I felt that this was going to be my final graphic until I realized I could simplify the information even more.  I researched a strategic business unit and found that I could minimize the amount of lines that connected each position.  As I reflected on each graphic I was able to find ways to reduce the cognitive load.  This assignment taught me a lot about how information can be perceived pre-attentively as well as the importance of reflecting upon my own work.

How to make pasta!

When I started this project, I felt that it would be easier to use graphic pictures to show the steps of how to make pasta.  I printed out the 20 pictures and soon after realized that they were not going to fit into my sketchbook. Instead of wasting more paper, I used construction paper and put everything together on it.  Since I am not the greatest artist in the world, I felt it would be easier to describe the steps using graphical pictures from the web.  With this assignment, I attempted to teach an illiterate person how to make pasta without words.  I used +, =, and various arrows to show the process in simple steps. My thought process was very basic and feel that the steps can be followed by an adolescent.  I feel this assignment was very straight forward which allowed my thought process to be as well.  I first wrote down everything that cooking pasta involves and found pictures that thoroughly represented the necessary steps. I personally enjoyed this experience because making pasta is my favorite food to cook.  Prior to gluing the pictures, I laid them out formally over the construction paper to make sure they are in the correct order.  I then glued each down and used yellow paint, allowing for the reader to easily follow step by step. 

Treatment for Turf-Grass

This assignment was challenging at times but I feel I got the overall point across. I coordinated the proper treatment with Y for yes and N for no, as well as arrows that direct the viewer to the next condition test. I used symbols that I felt represented the grasses current condition.  The arrows and symbols lead to the suggested treatment that will revitalize the grass to its healthy state.  The hardest part was coming up with symbols that describes the conditions that the grass is enduring.  When it came to the word dry, I had a tough time thinking of a symbol that could resemble it.  I felt the periodic symbols that represent water was sufficient enough to tell whether the grass was dry or not because of the yes or no.  I also did not know what a termite looked like so I had to look it up on google images. Since we were not able to use words, my thinking pattern was stretched to the max.  Allowing for the viewer to understand the proper treatment deemed hard at my initial thought. I felt the overall experience was enjoyable even though we could not be literal with our directions.

Collage

Completing this assignment was extremely easy but at the same time difficult to reflect upon.  I chose pictures that caught my attention as soon as I turned the page.  The themes I noticed among my pictures are celebrity status's and the overall theme of having fun.  I chose pictures of alcohol and beautiful women to resemble entertainment as well as pictures that are graphically appealing to the eye.  I also noticed a common theme of eyes which I randomly cut out because they caught my attention first glimpse. I do not feel their is a central focus to my collage which I like because it keeps the viewers attention by looking at every picture individually.  I learned throughout this assignment that I tend to look at the little picture before I look at the overall scheme.  I feel this way because when I started cutting out the clips from the magazines, I was initially cutting small objects rather than page size clips.  Once we had 5 minutes left to complete this assignment, I began cutting bigger pictures to fill the space.

Affinity Map

Background:

I made an affinity map to show the various types of sports and the differences within each. I am an avid sports fan and came away with knowledge I never really thought about.  For the Y-Axis, I chose "with balls" at the top and "without balls" at the bottom, as well as Mental and Physical on the left and right of the X-axis. I used a different color in each quadrant to show the uniqueness of each sport.  The only problem I encountered was whether to put a particular sport more towards physical or mental.  Football and basketball gave me the most trouble because they are are extremely physical and require you to be in good shape.  On the other hand, they are both team sports which require every player to know the play and what to do in certain situations (mental). I feel both traits are equally important so I placed them in the middle.


Conclusion:

With this assignment, I wanted to literally see the difference between the sports that I know.  I learned that most sports are physical and do not require a ball to be played. This was a surprise to me because prior to this assignment I imagined that almost all sports required one.   I liked making an affinity map because it allowed me to see words rather than numbers on a coordinate plane.  Being a finance major, I'm used to numbers.

My Mind Map

Mind Map Assignment:

Background: The subject of my mind map has been my problem over the past week and a half. I was driving home from work and got into a car accident that totaled my car.  Living off campus, having to go to work in providence and daily meetings for student involvement has made this experience extremely difficult.  This map has been my thought process since the day of the crash.

Map 1: Once I got into the accident, numerous thoughts were going through my mind.  I reflected on them and wrote down every means of transportation possible.   Whether I call a taxi, rent a car, take public transportation, or buy a new car, they all cost money.  I then took a twenty minute break and AHA!  I realized that I am a broke college student who has relied on numerous friends which I heavily circled in red.  My second mind map breaks down the reasons why I love my friends and how they help me from fulfilling my duties. 

Map 2: I kept the central image because I feel it cements the theme for my map and catches the attention of the viewer. I continued with the focus of “prohibits” as a way of reminding the viewer of my problem with the addition of a “solution.”  I drew images that reiterate my problems to emphasize the negative effects.   I then thought of every word that came to mind that describes a true friend:  Giving, Reliable, Free, Forever, Understanding, Respectful, and Funny are the words that first popped into my mind.   I drew the stems coming from “Friend” with a variety of colors because I wanted to show each word in a unique way.  I value friendship and I wanted to highlight that through the various colors.

Conclusion: After completing this assignment, I feel I got more out of it than I expected.  I never realized how fortunate I am to have numerous friends who are always willing to go out of their way for me.  Living off campus without a car makes everything difficult, so I came to the conclusion that I would not be able to do it without my friends.