Reflection Journal
Sixth Cycle - 04/22/05
Post- Dress Rehearsal:
Wow, this experience was an eye-opener! I spent a lot of time explaining how to use my project, since I hadn't written the instructions yet. Many of my classmates gave important feedback, asked pointed questions, and generally pointed out major areas to improve.
For starters, I need to really focus on adding instructions! This has been on my list of things to do for some time, but I keep messing with other aspects.
A major request I heard was to identify the objects, even though the pictures are fairly simple, they need something to identify them. Some suggested introducing each of them, but I think I'll just make a rollover that reveals the name of the object.
Also, there were problems with people reusing items that they had already assigned to houses. In the last version, the items simply returned to their original spot. I need to figure out a way to change the appearance of the object, something to indicate that the object has been used.
Many people failed to notice the names of the objects appearing underneath the houses. I think that I can fix this by pointing out this feature in the instructions.
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I've worked out the problems from the dress rehearsal and begun working on an introduction. I've experimented with different ways to introduce the objects (see experiment1, experiment2, experiment3) and have created an introduction I'm happy with (see solution).
I've used scenes to contain my introduction, instructions, and puzzle. Unfortunately, when I skip from one to another, I'm seeing that the objects don't always unload. I can either go with it as is (and hope the problem doesn't happen to anyone else!) or separate these areas into individual movies. Unfortunately, I'm having problems with my drag-and-drop code in the latter!
Visual Explanations
This explains how statistical visuals can be misinterpreted (or reframed) to show inaccurate conclusions. And yet, properly framed can best communicate to the user/reader. Using two historical case studies, statistical graphics are assessed for their ability to make conclusions obvious, clearly linking cause and effect, risk and condition.
This is all about making information abundantly clear. There is nothing as powerful as a diagram, distilled and simplified to its essential parts. Clearly identifying objects and their role in the big picture is critical to successfully impart knowledge through an illustration. It is not enough to assume that a reader/user will know your meaning, but to clearly label distinctive items with color, shape, size, and contrast.
Context is key. Contemplating a data set and determining the appropriate context can create a stronger argument -- for instance the deaths from cholera versus the cumulative deaths. It is the approach to how each unit affects the larger picture that produces a more meaningful picture.
Assess all sides of a problem: the successes, the failures, the narrow-escapes.
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