InfoVis
The first display is a hierarchical org chart of how the ASUW functions in a vertical structure. The display shows the chain of who reports to who and is great for internal use or explaining the structure of ASUW in relation to the Board of Directors. Purple blocks represent entities internal to the ASUW and gold represents external entities. The second display is a more externally relevant diagram displaying the different facets of involvement that students can get involved with, based on their interests. The purple and gold alternate to make the graphic more readable.
Displays that exploit the visual potential of relationships
Critique #1
The hierarchical display is frankly uninteresting. It is very boxy and the text doesn’t match the text model. Also, white is not a part of the color model so the background should be grey. The boxes are the right colors, however, according to the color model. Interesting for internal ASUW use.
The second display is more interesting to the average student because it organizes entities based on how students want to get involved. Same issues with the color and text however. More relevant for the infographic.
Revisions based on this critique
I agree that the second display is more interesting than the first one so I used it to move forward. I redid the graphic to better match the color and type models.
How I emulated my models:
I emulated my color model by sticking to the UW Marketing color scheme and using yellow as more of a highlight color. This makes it very clear that this graphic is specific to UW. Additionally the purple outlined orbs with the violet-grey center match the theme of purple outlines to create sections and labels. For larger text (the text on the first 2 levels of hierarchy), I used League font and for smaller text (the lowest level of branches), I used the Goodfish font, to emulate the use of type in my type model.
First Iteration
Evolution of How Can I get Involved?
Second Iteration
Critique #3
The first graphic has a very controlled, organized feeling to it. The perfect alignment of boxes of the exact same size is very formulaic and conveys a much more structured feeling to ASUW. The colors don’t quite match the color model though, nor does the text.
The second display is more free-form, which makes sense, because it is supposed to convey the many different paths one can take in getting involved with the ASUW. Definitely use this one for the infographic since it shows students the variety of interests they can pursue. What’s with the blue shadowing though? The blue doesn't match the color model.
Revisions based on this critique
In redoing the entire graphic, I eliminated the mysterious blue shadow. Additionally, I modified the layering of colors of text on colors of shapes to be more in line with that of my color model.
Critique #2
The hierarchical display could be spruced up with more interesting shapes. The font is too small to be readable. A key could be useful in conveying the meanings of the color encoding.
The second display is an interesting take because it doesn’t organize ASUW in the traditional way. The circles are aesthetically pleasing but the lines should be straight instead of corner-ey.
Revisions based on this critique
I straightened the lines and redid the graphic in Illustrator instead of Visio to give myself more control. I also increased the font size and matched the fonts to the fonts of my type model.
Critique #3
My third critic said that the graphic overall is well done and matches my color model much better than my relationship display. The word-web display is much more interesting than the hierarchical display.
Revisions based on this critique
While this critic didn't offer much of constructive criticism, one more thing I changed, based on my personal knowledge of the association, was in the connections to the diversity commissions. While they are largely recognized and publicized for their event programming, the ultimate goal of their existence is advocacy. For this reason, I decided to have Diversity Commissions connected to both Events and Advocacy.
Critique #1
My second critic agreed that the straighter lines were more visually appealing and picked up on and commended that the primary lines were thicker than the secondary lines. He also mentioned that I forgot to connect a few orbs.
Revisions based on this critique
My critic had a good catch that I accidentally left out a few lines to connect orbs to advocacy work. Additionally, I appreciated that he noticed the distinction in line thickness. I contemplated increasing the distinction but ultimately decided the subtle difference was most appealing, visually.
Critique #1
My first critic thought the new image was a massive improvement. It follows the color model much more closely and is much more readable and visually appealing. However, it appears that I've forgotten a few connector lines. Again, he also didn't like the italicized text.
Revisions based on this critique
I agree that while the italic text best matches my type model, it really isn't used appropriately in large blocks or labels of text. I changed my font to be of regular style, rather than italic and I agree that it looks much better.