2011 June | Glenn Ward

How data visualisation techniques like Infographics, video, audio can help make sense of Information

For those who regularly visit my blog you will know that I run a small in house video production service for a very large research company. We have been using Infographics and illustration for some time in order to make better sense of information for client deliverables. It is clear that data and information can be simplified but often it still requires a degree of deciphering in order to fully consume. In the past the use of video has brought to life a simple verbatim or a timed reveal of a chart with a voice over lead the viewers eye around the visual. We now look to combining these techniques in order to produce the most powerful client deliverables through illustration, animation, audio and video.

On the GfK TechTalk blog we have begun a series of posts in order to show off these approaches, starting with an Information Overload graphic. Watch this space to find out what we are up to.

Time to update the fitness clothing wardrobe

Buffer

As I am having a serious push in the gym in aid of the MensHealth cover competition and more recently the Maximuscle 30 day bulk up challenge I decided it was time to upgrade the wardrode. This had absolutely nothing to do with the generous money off donation from the website, Simply Swea t active wear. I struggle to find shorts I like, usually too long or too short but Simply Sweat had a good range of Nike, Ron Hill and Helly Hanson. The site provided an easy shopping experience, pictures were clear and of both front and back of the garment which can often be a problem when shopping for clothes online. The checkout process was smooth and offered multiple payment options including Paypal, an added option to opt out of signing up for an account sped things up immensely. Simply Sweat also have a few sister sites selling other specialist products such as camping, beachwear scuba gear etc. One of the nice functions on some of these websites that I have not seen before was a countdown to next day delivery. I didn’t putt is to the test but I though it was a nice touch.