Data Visualisation Practice

One of the briefs asks to examine a form of activity and construct in into an interactive visualisation. The visualisation involves 'Processing' a form of computer coding. At first glance the coding looks very complicated, but I prefer this brief more than the others, so I have read more around the subject of processing and data visualisations.

One of the key readings provided is named 'What is Code?' It stated that code developed in the 1940's to assist with work in the fields of science and engineering. (McWilliams and Reas 2010, p.21) We can see now how coding has developed from computer science to become an aesthetic experience, (McWilliams and Reas 2010, p.25) an exciting visual for audiences. I have noted a few inspirational quotes from the text which may influence my final project. One by Marshall McLuhen states 'today we're beginning to realise that the new media aren't just mechanical gimmicks for creating worlds of illusion, but new languages with new and unique powers of expression.' (McLuhen 1957, cited in McWilliams and Reas 2010 p.25) The other is, 'it is here that the computer ceases to be a tool and instead becomes a medium.' (McWilliams and Reas 2010, p.25)

Additional Reading

I did further reading into the book Data Flow: Visualizing Information Graphic Design 2. Once again I noted down some interesting and inspirational quotes to aid my final project, they are:

'Experiments- be they of a visual nature or in interactive design- are vital to thriving innovation, and since information visualization is just growing out of its baby shoes, we should embrace it.' (Bourguin, Ehmann and Klanten, 2010, p.6)

'We should be aware that the field of information visualization is far more than a creative playground. It is an indispensable instrument to cope with the massive amounts of data we are confronted with.'  (Bourguin, Ehmann and Klanten, 2010, p.8)

'Information can change people's behaviour.'  (Bourguin, Ehmann and Klanten, 2010, p.8)

'Making that information visible, easily understandable and enjoyable to use, is probably one of the most interesting challenges designers have ever encountered.'  (Bourguin, Ehmann and Klanten, 2010, p.8)

Practising with Processing

I began to practice processing by using Ben Fry's book Visualizing Data: Exploring and Explaining Data with the Processing Environment. (2007) Chapter Three, 'Mapping,' explains how to upload an image and plot points on a map using the Processing software.  To the left are screen shots of me following the instructions in the chapter. Despite it being quite hard to follow, I think I want to pursue the data visualisation brief; thus I will persevere with processing and practice more in the forthcoming weeks. 















Bibliography

Bourguin, N,. Ehmann, S., Klanten, R. (2010) Data Flow: Visualizing Information Graphic Design 2. Frankfurt: Die Gestalten Verlag

Fry, B. (2007) Visualizing Data: Exploring and Explaining Data with the Processing Environment. California: O'Reilly Media

McWilliams, C., Reas, C. (2010) Form+Code in Design, Art, and Architecture. New York: Princeton Architectural Press