Mapping

"Part of where I'm going, is knowing where I'm coming from" -Gavin Degraw

Information designers utilize mapping techniques to show where objects are located in relation to one another. Mapping is an incredibly versatile tool that “makes all kinds of ideas about the spatial relationships of objects unexpectedly clear” (Roam, 2009, p. 166). Information maps are used to create a visual connection between interrelated concepts, structures, or processes in a clear and incisive manner. According to Horn (1994), information mapping makes it easier to write technical materials, provide more specific content and analysis, and leads to more effective and efficient learning.

Applications of mapping in information design:

• Wayfinding
• Infographics
• Wireframes 
• Blueprints
• Information architecture, such as sitemaps
• Project documentation: team organizational chart, work plan diagram, etc. (Baer, 2009, p. 34)
• Diagrams
• Webbing
• Matrix
• Charts
• Timeline
• Structure mapping
• Process mapping
• Concept mapping

Concept mapping has become increasingly useful as a research tool and an instructional technique to facilitate meaningful learning” (Novak, J. & Gowin, B. & Johansen, G., 2006).  For this blog post, I created concept maps to demonstrate each step in Roam’s visual thinking process: look, see, imagine, show.  Then I created a process map that demonstrates visual thinking as it really happens (Roam, 2009, p. 41). 

Once I sketched out my process map, I used Microsoft Office object palette to create concept maps for the four steps in the visual design process:

References:

Baer, K. (2008). Information Design Workboook. Massachusetts: MIT Press.

Horn, R. (1994, March). Information Mapping. Training in Business and Industry. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDEQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stanford.edu%2F~rhorn%2Fa%2Ftopic%2Fstwrtng_infomap%2FartclInfoMappingTraining.pdf&ei=tetrT4yDDKjs0gHq7N3HBg&usg=AFQjCNEuhfBo-eisnCTPYQPtnUyvIpZMBA&sig2=QODvhG1cgYU7p79EQPTRrQ

Jacobson, R. (1999). Information Design. Massachusetts: MIT Press.

Novak, J. & Gowin, B. & Johansen, G. (2006). The use of concept mapping and knowledge vee mapping. Cornell University. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/sce.3730670511/abstract

Roam, D. (2009). The back of the napkin: Solving problems and selling ideas with pictures. New York: Penguin Group.