what I am presenting...

So I changed my idea at the very last minute.... The peas idea was too literal and was more focused on cuteness than systematic. So I think I missed the point somewhere along the line… So far at VCU, aesthetics have always been a major part of any project although usability and the system were of equal importance.

This project surprised me in the way that the system was the most important thing and looks didn’t matter as long as the user could understand the chart. It took me a while to realize this and it was hard for me not to think of a clever or cheeky concept. That was why I was reluctant to not let go of the ‘peas’ chart. If I had this understanding a bit earlier, I may have been able to focus on the functionality of the chart instead of wasting my time trying to make it look good.

After throwing away my ‘pea’ chart idea (although that was a painful experience) I could concentrate on how the chart really functioned. I tried to present the data in a way that the variables related to each other. It was also important that the chart was on one page so that the true growth could be fully seen. This was the night before the presentation...yes scary.

So many ideas were going through my mind as I was panicking. Here are some of my sketches... The main problem was not finding a way of improving the system. My challenge was trying to make a chart that would include average data and the possibility of the mother filling in her personal data. I racked my mind to find a solution and all my results were so confusing...to this day I have not come up with a solution!

















































I went with the simplest way of mapping the variables...all parallel and mapped in relation to each other. A simple line connects them all and three primary shapes symbolize each variable. I chose not to use color, as I didn't think it was necessary.
















































I thought of using symbols also used by Paul Rand. These are the most basic and arbitrary of shapes, so shouldn't they be the most flexible for embedding information into?