Info-graphic Reader

Today my Facebook newsfeed contained two back-to-back items (posted by different people) related to info-graphics. 

The first is a post by Paula Scher on Huffington Post, in which, inspired by Fast Company's compendium of the best info-graphics from its design blog, she presents a brief summary of and commentary on info-graphics/visualized information.

Quote of note: “All of the charts, graphs, diagrams, and maps look interesting and involving. They are designed to appear scientific and very believable. They are immediate, even urgent, and you have the sense that you are about to learn something. They are all part of an increasing trend away from reading, reflection, and understanding the world in a broader context. Information becomes style. Information is an end in and of itself: it exists by itself, with no over view, no history, no context, and demonstrates that almost anything can be measured. It is faux info.”

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The second item is an info-graphic (pasted below) titled ‟The History of Social Networking.” It imparts some interesting statistics about the growth of social networking, but its main function seems to be driving traffic to the website OnlineSchools.org, which created this and similarly enticing info-graphics like ‟The Evolution of Video Games” and appears to be devoted to all things related to e-learning. Hmmm. As Scher writes, “buyer beware.”

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File Under "H" for Heinous

Nbcuniversal

According to internet scuttlebutt, this is the new NBC/Universal corporate logo, which was revealed today during internal meetings to mark Comcast's official take over. 

I hate to say this looks like it was designed in 5 minutes on a broken monitor using Word, because, typical to the corporate world, a lot of time and energy usually goes into the production of crap, but this is pretty heinous. But should public furor require a Gapesque redo, I'm sure the logo will be able to find a second career as a punchline in a 30 Rock episode.

Food For Thought

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My friend, former classmate, design educator and screen printer-extraordinaire, Dan Shafer, has a thought provoking piece in a design faculty show currently open at the Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. 

Dan hung a bunch of one dollar bills, which he printed with the word "void," posing the question: Does it remove the value of a dollar to print a large red "VOID" over it, or does it elevate it to the rarified status of an artwork?" Dan's work tends toward the interactive, and this one is no different; visitors are encouraged to make transactions with his piece by taking a dollar and leaving "something more valuable." 

I'm curious to see what objects Dan gets in return for his bills, as well as how many of these "voided" dollars end up circulating in the local Seattle economy. Who knows, he may have the US Mint knocking at his door! Keep us posted, Dan.

More info on the exhibit here.

Craft Forward

This promotional postcard for Craft Forward (a symposium on the blurred line between art, craft, design, architecture and writing hosted by the California College of the Arts this spring) has been kicking around my desk since it came in the mail.  Designed by Design is Play I give this card a double thumbs up for being both simple and provocative. The uncanny similarity of a decorative motif and a modern day QR code (which takes you to the event website if you scan it) inspires the kinds of thoughts about overarching connectivity throughout creative history and practice that the symposium aims to tackle. 

Craft Forward is scheduled for April 1st to the 3rd; you can get more info here.

Craftforward

DIY Terrarium Kits

For the holidays this year I supplemented my usual baked gifts for family & friends with succulent terrariums. I had the idea after watching a florist assemble a one for a friend and then seeing the same glass globe he used for sale at CB2. I used succulents trimmed from our garden and referenced this blog post, which breaks down the materials needed for the base. 

The challenge lay in figuring out how to send these through the mail, and ready-to-assembly kits seemed the way to go. I made one for myself to figure out the appropriate quantity of each base layer, then bagged each layer and trimming separately, printed out directions and put it all in a paper bag. I was pleased with the result, as were the recipients, which is always gratifying! I would definitely make these again as a party favor. 

Step 1: Trimmed succulent clippings sit outside for a few days so the ends scabs over. This allowed me to send them without any source of water. 
Succulents

 

Step 2: Measured the amount of organic material needed for each layer in a single terrarium. 

Measuring

 

Step 3: Bagged and labeled layers (rocks, charcoal, cactus soil, succulent trimming)

Kits

Step 4: Packed layers in paper bag; finished with twin and assembly and care directions on the outside. (I wrapped the glass globe separately since it was breakable.)

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Hopefully all the final products looked something like this!

Final