Seek and Find 3: Abstractions

by gleicherapi on August 1, 2017

Due: Fri, Sep 22 (Cutoff:Fri, Sep 29)
Canvas Link: Seek and Find 3: Abstractions on CanvasGeneral Instructions: See the seek and find assignment rules
Specific Instructions (Discussion Prompt):

Seek and Find 3: Abstraction

For this seek and find, you need to find a visualization (subject to the usual rules) and describe it abstractly. You might want to choose a visualization for which describing it in terms of abstractions isn’t too hard (but hard enough).

Of course, you need to include the visualization (a picture of the visualization, a link to it in context (if there is one), a brief description of what the visualization is).

In the description, please:

  • Describe the data used to make the visualization. Try to describe it both specifically, but also in terms of the data abstractions. What are the key variables, and what are their properties?
  • Describe the task you think the viewer is supposed to do with the visualization. There may be many tasks, but pick what you think one or two of the main ones are. Try to describe the task both specifically and abstractly.

The tasks for a visualization aren’t always obvious – either to the viewer or the designer. And there are many ways to describe tasks. Part of this exercise is for you to get an appreciation for the challenges of task identification and description.

Data and data abstraction is usually clearer. That part should be easy.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Previous post:

Next post: