From concept to final design

During the last week, we have used the feedback from the concept evaluation on May 23^rdand the per-group feedback on June 2^nd to optimize our map design.

A step between concept and final design

Now we have come up with a final design which we will test, as shown in the blog post below. We have created a bias for one direction over the other by using multiple variables from the book.

The final design makes use of the variables:

• Sharpness distinction (Ch 2) makes the difference between both icon groups easier to spot
• Contrast (Ch 4) between dark edge and white outline makes the icon pop out
• Color saturation (Ch 4) makes the more saturated area more dominant over the less saturated
• Depth of focus (Ch 5) makes sharper objects attract attention more readily

With the final design, we take into consideration:

• The perceived color intensity between the colors used for the Museum and Shopping icons is more or less equal.
• The colors used for the Museum and Shopping icons make use of colors that otherwise have no strong culturally defined meaning on maps (such as ‘green = nature area’)
• The perceived icon intensity (due to ‘holes’ inside the icon) is more or less equivalent
• The multiscale structure (Ch 2) design principle used makes two areas in particular easier to find
• Both directions to choose from are presented at the same angle (thus making a ‘V’). This nullifies the possible influence of route orientation as printed on the poster.

During the coming week, we will test how well the variables influence the choice of direction and how conspicuous the difference is. We of course hope for a big influence and little conspicuity.