Visual Unravelling workshops took place in London in 2010. These workshops were designed for research and evaluation purposes and addressed exclusively to both advanced students and professionals information designers.
Test and evaluate a design tool, through specific practical and analytical tasks.
Two tasks were designed to cover all the points to be evaluated:
To analyse visual material such as diagrams, maps and other information graphics. A booklet with three diagrammatic images and an envelop with 8 (eight) information cards with one question each was given to each participant to facilitate the analysis.
Each card had a question on the front related to a key information design concept. To help participants fully understand each concept, the back of each card contained a definition of the concept asked.
To visualise key technical concepts related to diagram creation included in the design tool to be evaluated. 4 (four) information cards containing concepts to be visualised were given to each participant.
Each card had a concept to be visualised on the front, and a theme, in order to help participants focussed on understanding the concept itself and not wasting time thinking about a theme. In addition, to help participants fully understand each concept, the back of each card contained a definition of the concept asked in the front.
Two different focus groups:
1) One-day Workshop. 37 advanced students (20-27 years old) of information design.
2) Online Workshop. Professional information/graphic designers working in design studios or freelancing.
Participants were divided into two groups. Each group did only one task: one group did task A and the other group did task B.
Participants had two hours as the maxium length to complete their task. In addition to the workshops kits (images to be analysed and information cards), each participant received answer sheets and information sheerts. No digital tools or specific technology were required. Participants who did task B only used manual tools.
Materials produced during the workshops and findings obtained were analysed and examined and will be published in a near future.