10 Apr This week we turn our attention to annotations.? Annotation is a crucial component of good data visualization.? It can turn a boring graphic into an
This week we turn our attention to annotations. Annotation is a crucial component of good data visualization. It can turn a boring graphic into an interesting and insightful way to convey information. This week, please navigate to any site and find a graphic that could use some annotation work. Add the graphic and the website it is found as an attachment to this post and note what you would do to enhance the graphic and note why you would make these decisions.
In response to peers, add additional information to their posts noting what else could be done to enhance the graphic.
Analyzing and Visualizing Data
Chapter 8
Annotation
Annotation
Project Annotation
Helping viewers understand what the project is about and how to use it
Chart Annotation
Help viewer perceive the chart and optimize interpretations
Features of Annotation
Headings and Introductions
Inform users efficiently about the content
User Guides
Offer some level of instruction in the form of prompts
Reader Guides and Legends
Offer a different type (from user guides), they help viewers how to understand how to read a chart
Chart Apparatus and References
Relates to the range of structural components found in different chart types (axis lines, gridlines, etc…)
Features of Annotations cont.
Chart Labelling and Captions
Axis titles
Axis scales
Value labels
Footnotes and Methods
A convenient place to share useful information that allows for increased transparency.
Influencing Factors and Considerations
Audience
Setting
Purpose
Accessible design
Summary
Features of Annotation
Headings and introductions: Titles, subtitles and section headings, often combined with longer passages to describe the background and aims of a project.
User guides: Advice or instructions on how to use interactive features.
Reader guides and legends: Detailed instructions advising viewers how to perceive and interpret the chart, describing the associations between data values and attribute classifications.
Chart apparatus and references: Structural components found in different chart types, such as axis lines, gridlines or tick marks, as well as markings that assist with interpretation.
Chart labelling and captions: Axis titles, axis labels, value labels and commentaries.
Footnotes and methods: Include data sources, credits, and time/date stamps. May be expanded to provide more detailed description of data handling processes, assumptions and shortcomings.
Summary cont.
If these were the options, how did you make your choices? The influencing factors included:
Audience: Considering the characteristics and needs of the audience to determine what assistance they might need.
Setting: Will the audience have the scope to engage with annotations if the encounter is characterized by time pressures?
Purpose: The tone and experience offered will influence the type of annotations required.
Accessible design: Many annotations are based on text displays and so you need to consider the legibility of the typeface you choose and the logic behind the font–size hierarchy you display.
Questions?
