Shander, B. (2011). 4×4 Model for Knowledge Content. Retrieved from https://inspiredm.com/winning-knowledge-content/
Summary
Data Visualisation Lecture One – What is Data Vis?
We now recored and transfer 23 exabytes of information every 7 days.
(1 EB = 1 Billion gigabytes)
Data are values of quantitive and qualitative variables belonging to a set of items. Data are typically a result of measurements and can be utilised in graphs and images.
http://nathan.com/information-interaction-design-a-unified-field-theory-of-design/
Data has no meaning, for it to become information it must be interpreted.
Data visualisation involves a creation and study of information that has been abstracted in some schematic form, including attributes or variables for the units of information.
Not all information visualisations are based on data, but all data visualisations are information visualisations.
Effective visualisation helps users analyse and reason about data and evidence. It makes complex data more accessible, understandable and usable. Users may have particular analytical tasks, such as making comparisons or understanding causality, and the design principle of the graphic follows the task.
When explaining two variables a bar graph is effective in interpreting and publishing data as information to be consumed. A line chart is effective in defining data placed within a time period.
Reflection
Throughout this lecture it was important to understand that data doesn’t necessarily have any meaning, however once it becomes interpreted it can be visualised as information and graphics. By analysing data we are able to display complex numbers or information with greater accessibility. Using data and visual design principles we are breaking down tasks or information to suit a certain audience, whether it is a STOP sign or line chart calculating periods of time.
nk DataVis Blog 