Visualizing data tracking over a week on how much and what was thrown out by personal record.
Process >>>
We started out with initial sketch ideas on how to visualize our collected data. For mine, I wanted to look more at the quantity of items I threw out and what function they served for me. They mainly fell into 3 categories: Food, Cleaning, and Cosmetic items. I decided to display that information to see if there are any interesting comparisons. Sketch 3 was the most successful visualization. However, my classmates made some really helpful suggestions that tweaking the overall structure would be more successful.
I made my first attempt at a draft with the idea of using a Polar Chart as the visualization technique. Of course, this lacked any visual interest and it wasn't the right dimensions. I was told to rework the colors to help with contrast. I thought about replacing the solid colors with textured photos but I was worried the composition would become too busy.
Here are the critiques and suggestions from my classmates on Miro.
I moved onto working with the correct dimensions and elements to make it more aesthetically pleasing. It was the suggested I tweak the typography and add more information. I also decided I wanted to change the orientation of the graphic in order to include all of that information.
I landed on this as I was ready to turn it in. However, I wasn't confident nor excited about the product. I understand that I can't be excited about everything I make, but I sure can try. I got the advice from my classmates again who suggested I rework the coloring and hierarchy. I was also advised to rework the scaling and eliminate confusing visual elements (ie. texture, added patterns, etc.)
I ended with this draft and I feel may more confident with what I created. I struggled to get connected with designing all of this. However, this project really helped to show me that there's always an opportunity to rework something, big or small. It got me excited to see how the rest of the semester goes with the class.
Here are my final reflective thoughts on the project.
