CMSC 636:
Data Visualization
Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Department
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Visualization Critiques Assignment
Due: October 16, 2008
Project Description
Write a critical analysis of two visualization examples, one you believe to
be effective and one you believe to be bad.
Each critique should include a citation describing its source,
including publication name, author/artist (if available), date, and page.
Come prepared to present your examples and analysis to the class.
What to discuss
Each analysis should be between a half and a full page of prose (whole sentences and
paragraphs) and should address the following issues:
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How effective do you judge this visualization to be? Why?
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What are the most noticeable elements of the visualization? Are they the most
important?
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Is there essential information missing?
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Are there elements which carry no information?
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Are colors used effectively?
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How could this visualization be improved? Offer specific suggestions.
Where to look
Look in any publication that communicates large amounts of information. Mass market
science publications are a good bet (Science, Science News, Scientific American).
Newspapers (especially USA Today) are possibilities. You might find interesting ads in
computer publications. Lots of interesting visualizations are available on
the web. For those, print a black and white copy and include a URL. Be creative.