Since we have so much access to useful information, and I love to learn or observe something new as often as possible - I have a child-like fascination with infographics. Personally, I think they are a fantastic way to combine information-density with design, layout and efficiency (see the theme?) Forgive me in advance for looking at things through my GIS/cartographer lens.
So - let me kick it off! This is Cosmic Journeys (by Sean McNaughton, Samuel Velasco, 5W Infographics, Matthew Twombly and Jane Vessels, NGM (National Geographic Magazine) staff, Amanda Hobbs).
Exploration missions to space are being mapped here. The spatial element of the map is present but not the most fundamental element. A simple 1 for 1 ratio is used as each line to concentric circle represents one mission. The interesting information is the amount of trips to specific bodies, the nations associated with the mission, the success or failure, and the type of excursion.
From a design perspective the map is very attractive and easy to quickly get the crucial information. The quantitative elements are immediately clear due to the use of lines not as proportional symbols but as cumulative structures around the specified bodies. The creatively placed scale also being used as a rectangular inset map is a particularly interesting touch. The use of color, although well constrained within the line structures are far too numerous in use to be easy to discern and breaks the rule of 'fewer is better.' The partitioning of the inner solar system to deep space is also helpful however could use some refining to draw the readers attention to the thrust of the maps intentions instead of an immediate dosing of lots of information which could be overwhelming to some. Everything else like typography, spacing, and shape is straightforward and well adjusted for the thematic purpose of the map.
Original image here. And also embedded. I am new to the SFF method for embedding media and images and so any pointers help. I have Flickr and Dropbox, but it doesn't look like SFF Forum supports the latter.
Please share!
So - let me kick it off! This is Cosmic Journeys (by Sean McNaughton, Samuel Velasco, 5W Infographics, Matthew Twombly and Jane Vessels, NGM (National Geographic Magazine) staff, Amanda Hobbs).
Exploration missions to space are being mapped here. The spatial element of the map is present but not the most fundamental element. A simple 1 for 1 ratio is used as each line to concentric circle represents one mission. The interesting information is the amount of trips to specific bodies, the nations associated with the mission, the success or failure, and the type of excursion.
From a design perspective the map is very attractive and easy to quickly get the crucial information. The quantitative elements are immediately clear due to the use of lines not as proportional symbols but as cumulative structures around the specified bodies. The creatively placed scale also being used as a rectangular inset map is a particularly interesting touch. The use of color, although well constrained within the line structures are far too numerous in use to be easy to discern and breaks the rule of 'fewer is better.' The partitioning of the inner solar system to deep space is also helpful however could use some refining to draw the readers attention to the thrust of the maps intentions instead of an immediate dosing of lots of information which could be overwhelming to some. Everything else like typography, spacing, and shape is straightforward and well adjusted for the thematic purpose of the map.
Original image here. And also embedded. I am new to the SFF method for embedding media and images and so any pointers help. I have Flickr and Dropbox, but it doesn't look like SFF Forum supports the latter.
Please share!
