Project Objective
The objective of this project was to explore the data I had gathered over 14 days. Within this data, I connected the dots and formulated a narrative revolving around my day-to-day.
The data I used were heart rate measured in beats-per-minute, noise levels measured in decibels, and attentiveness which I measured myself at the end of each day. Most of the data was measured through the Health app on my Apple Watch Series 7.
Design Process and Development
Right away, I noticed an interesting pattern between my noise levels and my heart rate. This ended up being the focus of the visualization as I wanted to demonstrate the feelings of my average day using relevant data. That data and attentiveness felt like the most human and relatable, fitting the theme of what I wanted to depict.
Below are some concept sketches and early drafts.
I was fixated on a radial arrangement as my day takes place over time and time can be easily visualized as circular, repeating, and ceaseless. The big decision came down to formulating a narrative around my data (what does it mean, what does it depict?) and how to visualize that in a way that can connect to the data.
Draft and Inspiration
My first couple of sketches weren't inspiring me or helping me come to any conclusions until I found some interesting examples of data visualized in a real and tangible setting.
I quickly created a first draft and liked the feel and approach I chose. The inspiration came from the idea of my desk, my belongings strewn across it messily.
After I got some feedback on some of the decisions like my decision to forgo a key or legend, I quickly polished it up and made some further typographical, color, and communication adjustments. The key would help communicate the data shown on each plate and allow the user a better idea of the overall message.
After I got some feedback on some of the decisions like my decision to forgo a key or legend, I quickly polished it up and made some further typographical, color, and communication adjustments. The key would help communicate the data shown on each plate and allow the user a better idea of the overall message.
Final Design
Description
From a design standpoint, I used imagery that was tangible and dimensional, interacting with shadow and light to create these effects. My goal was to create a surface much like a desk where I could emphasize the data in a way that felt real using radial plates and textured strings. Various graphical elements such as the strewn-about items aid in creating a personalized setting that fits the dataset.
This poster and the data it visualizes are simply put: Me.
My heart beats to the rhythm of my music and the flow of my day, and sometimes my days can get pretty loud. Some days it's easy to stay focused as can be seen in the center of the graph, others not so much. However, I make it work. I put this poster together as an effort to visualize what I feel and what affects that.
My heart beats to the rhythm of my music and the flow of my day, and sometimes my days can get pretty loud. Some days it's easy to stay focused as can be seen in the center of the graph, others not so much. However, I make it work. I put this poster together as an effort to visualize what I feel and what affects that.
Reflection
If there's anything I would say was challenging, it would be the development process and ideating. It's difficult to visualize information and to make sure the context and approach are appropriate and relevant to what you're trying to communicate. The possibilities are seemingly endless and that was a real struggle. I think from a creative standpoint, I could've experimented more with the visual style I chose