Tool for Visualization Methods

I came across this tool from visual-literacy.org that outlines in a table different visualization methods, organized by the type of information to be communicated. While it may contain more types of graphs, charts, and other visual aids than I ever thought possible, it is interesting to see the variety of ways that content can be presented.

Periodic Table of Visualization Methods

It can be a good catalyst for designers looking for a new or different way to pitch an idea, and a great reminder to all of us on the importance of visuals in presentations.

Storyboarding

Part of my role in our project is to develop storyboards, and I was curious as to how they are done in a corporate setting. My experience so far has been the hand-drawn sheets from 770, so I wanted to try a different model. Erica was able to share a template from her work that we used as a group. It was interesting to use this storyboarding model (example below) and to get a sense of one of the versions that are used in corporate settings.



It seems like storyboarding is a particular task at each company, and that there is not a standard template that can be taught. It has been useful, though, to try to use a model for our project.

Tools of the Trade

For our project, we explored several different applications as possible tools for our delivery system. We compared Moodle, Drupal, and Wordpress. One of the byproducts of the web 2.0 movement is the availability of many user-friendly open-source products. But while in this class, and in others, students are using new tools for instruction, companies seem to be slower to come around.

I recently began interviewing for internships, and the two applications that seem to be a necessity are Dreamweaver and Captivate. Initially, I was surprised that more tools weren't being used or explored, but after some of the technical challenges I have encountered this semester (in 865) as a result of using newer tools, I can understand why companies are slower to adapt new technologies. In 865, we designed an e-learning project to be built in Rapid Intake, and found later that there were a number of problems with the tool. We have the luxury as students to be able to explore and try new things, but in a corporate setting that wouldn't work.

I wonder, then, who the early adapters are for new technologies, especially rapid e-learning development tools like Rapid Intake and Udutu.com.

Getting Web 2.0 With It

After a night off from class, a group meeting, and margaritas, it seems like our group project is well underway. But while it is exciting to have identified roles and deliverables, a lot of challenges still remain.

One of the big advantages of the web 2.0 wave is that a lot of tools and templates exist that can really cut development time. The challenge with using these templates is gauging how well they can be customized to meet your client's needs. Our client would like a multi-user blog that can be password protected. He is also looking for other features, such as a home page that shows the latest posts.

Right now, we are trying to compare a few applications to see which would best meet the organization's needs. We are looking at Moodle, Drupal, and Wordpress's Multi-user blog template. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. If we were building a tool from scratch, we would design it to meet the client's needs - but it would take a lot longer than six weeks to build! By using a template, we can meet most of his needs in a relatively short time, but we sacrifice some control over the final product. It's an interesting consideration for designers in the Web 2.0 era.

Empathy

Web 2.0 Presentation - Second Life

For my web 2.0 technology presentation, I wanted to explore the much talked about world of Second Life. While everything with my first life is going alright, I was curious about this virtual world in which people can do pretty much anything they can do in everyday life.

Since I am not a gamer and frankly had some trouble getting off orientation island (though I finally succeeded!), my presentation may be less than I was expecting. I thought perhaps I'd have a house on an island that I could show you, but instead I still can't even pick a hair color I like. So I thought I'd share some links to resources so you all can explore on your own.

Second Life - Come here to create an avatar, learn how to chat & move objects, and start your second life!
http://secondlife.com/

Second Life Education Wiki - Resources for educators in Second Life, including other schools, universities, & programs that use SL
http://www.simteach.com/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Life_Education_Wiki

Sloodle - a project that integrates Second Life with Moodle courses (like iLearn!)
http://sloodle.com/

Visuals and Learning

During last week's exercise in class about telling a story visually, it was interesting to hear all the different stories people wrote from the same images. It raised questions for me about how much we bring to our learning based on our own experiences. Given that, the readings for this week were useful - to have a vocabulary for discussing graphics and a beginning understanding of how to best use them in instruction.