This weblog’s existence can be credited to Bryan Murley, my Multimedia Journalism professor at Eastern Illinois University. I say this because a weblog is a requirement of that class. As such, we (the students of the class) have a few requirements for our blogs. One of which is a final project entitled “Adopt-a-multimedia Journalism” where we choose a journalist in the field that is currently creating new media work (videos, Flash, Soundslides, etc.) and then we have to write a critique of their work. That said, I have chosen Amanda Cox of the New York Times and her work is amazing, so there will be inspirational value within. Avoid or flock to these posts as you see fit.
Click the image for the actual piece.
1: The Ebb and Flow of Movies
A simple concept: How well movies have done at the box office from 1986 until 2008. However, the execution on this is simply amazing. The look of the piece is clearly the draw, illustrating the words “ebb and flow” in a way that will forever (in my mind) remain salient. This is one of the coolest looking information graphics I have ever seen. I cannot praise it enough – it is thorough, visually appealing, interactive, and mostly intuitive. Which is my only critique. It takes a little bit to understand exactly what the graphic is saying. Why are certain movies going downward and other going up? Unless I’m missing something, there is no reason other than to create a better looking graphic. The index on the right feels like a bit of an after thought when compared to the interactive nature of everything else.
Click the image for the actual piece.
2: All of Inflations Little Parts
Again, an appealing graphic. To present it in an almost stained-glass motif implies the fragility of the whole system. I think the alternative text pop-ups are great and I think many designers would have stopped there, but the addition of the zooming, the graphic feels a whole lot more polished. There is a lot of information represented here and it gives the viewer a satisfying experience that could last quite a while. I only have a few issues with the graphic. I would have liked a more analogue zoom (rather than just the two levels) and I think the amount of information presented is a double-edged sword. On one hand, there is a lot to dive into, but on the other, it creates a bit of confusion (the meaning of the colors gets lost).
3: How Woods Wins a Major
This graphic, unlike the previous two, is not a visual masterpiece, but it’s not trying to be. The information is given in a meaningful way and it allows the reader to dig deep. Sports graphics should do effective comparisons and this pulls that off. This is heavily statistical and as interactive as it needs to be. I would have, however, liked the ability to compare two years or different years’ statistics more easily. Maybe a roll over function.
4: China’s Environmental Crisis
Great graphic. Style, elegance, and simplicity all in one. The China map is interactive, with roll over functionality and tons of information. The important pieces are highlighted and the rest are left up to the reader. This, however, is not where the graphic finishes. There is a second piece, a modest chart which effectively shows China and the United State’s positions in the world (in regard to environmental issues). The ability to see where the rest of the world is situated (through simple roll overs) is a huge plus. Overall, the lesson with this graphic is how to highlight the important information while offering the reader a little more through exploration.
5: Running Behind Schedule
Again, I am amazed. The level of interaction and the abundance of information within this graphic is astounding. While a tad overwhelming at first glance, there is no need for any more information or functionality, because everything is where you want it to be.
For the second half, please see the second post.
Filed under: Adopt-a-multimedia Journalist, Graphic, Inspiration, Newspapers, School, Web, Web Design , Adopt-a-multimedia Journalist, Assignments, Beauty, Class, Graphics, Inspire, Interactives, Personal, School, Web
