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Thursday 21 April 2011

Data modulation and the new insight about lines

           The reading and lecture for this week is centred on the topic of visualisation. As has been discussed in week 7 by the guest lecture, visualisation of data is closely related to archive fever. In this case, our engagement and commitment with this fever is portrayed in the form of visualisation. In addition, the examples of contemporary, various visual forms of expression and content are also being presented.

              In week 8, the focus is more towards the modulation in visualisation, conversion between different forms of data, functions of the visual and images as sign. First of all, modulation in visualisation can enhance our experience and engagement with the information that are being presented. Usually, attractive images and vibrant colours are employed to provide added value of the data. Furthermore, this technique have been widely used in publishing, especially digital publishing. A good example of modulation is shown in the lecture, which can be accessed through this link.


            In  my opinion, modulation is really effective as human mind is better in comparing things in relation to size rather than figures. This link here provides information about how much money does music artist earn online. In this case, the pink dot and the figure represent the same data. However, changes in the size of the dot provide a better comparison between the data rather than the figures itself. Despite the fact that data are represented effectively, in certain cases, modulation in visualisation can makes it too complex and difficult to understand. In addition, there is no fixed framework of data modulation, so we could expect different and various form of data representation which not all are understandable.

             Other than that, one of the reading for this week discuss about the application of lines (double-lines, solid, dashed, or dotted) in various situations, including its usage in publishing. According to Dave Gray, various forms lines have the similar purpose in the same way as different types of fonts.     

‘I think of lines: double-line, solid, dashed, dotted Similar to typeface conventions such as black, bold, regular, light. It’s a matter of emphasis. The thicker and more solid the line, the stronger the emphasis.’

                                                                                                    (Dave Gray in The dashed line in used 2006) 

           In general, we come across different types of lines every day. There are several lines on the road which divert the traffic correctly and straight lines together with arrow on the signboard at UNSW to show directions. In term of publishing, lines can be found in manuals of equipments, it links the entity in a cycle of events and in publications which involves geometrical process. Other than that, lines represent movements, paths, and ephemeral material (The dashed line in used, 2006).  In this context, lines serve as a simple yet effective way of representing information. A movement and path in a manual, for example, is better represented in forms of lines rather than words. Furthermore, the application of lines will provide an interactive interface between the reader and the data. On the other hand, lines can be misleading if it is not properly understood. In addition, in certain cases, lines itself is not sufficient and must be accompanied by words for further explanation. Furthermore, lines in printed and digital publishing is different, since lines in printed materials could not be made to move compared to its counterpart on the computer screen.

Last but not least,this video demonstrates my points about lines and arrows that did not work successfully in explaining a process. This is because there is no explanation at all in form of words and text. 


Reference :

 The dashed line in used 2006, Touch, accessed 21 April 2011,                                                                      < http://www.nearfield.org/2006/09/the-dashed-line-in-use >