Trend Blend (Information Visualization

Information Visualization Midterm

By: Kevin Ko

Due: Sept 30

 

 

 

 

 

Trend Blend 2009, Richard Watson,

http://www.nowandnext.com

 

 

 

 

 

The graph, “Trend Blend 2009: A Map of Time and Tide”, by Richard Watson, represents the possible future trends and problems that society will face. The graph is five years old, so it’s very interesting to see some themes written in this graph are actually occurring right now. The graph is divided in to two main sections; core themes in the middle as large black circles and eight subject themes as colorful legs, are attached to the core themes. The core themes are called, “mega-trends”, there are no particular orders or patterns instead its like the group of themes compiled together. Core themes are emotions and things that human fears or problems that they have been or will encounter in the society. On the other hand the eight subject themes are divide in specific eight sections, “society, technology, economy, environment, politics, business, family and media”. There are no clear explanations about direct relationship between core theme and subject theme, but one can see that core themes are like a brain and subject theme as part of body parts. Every one leg of subject theme can relate with any core theme, the subject themes are the specifically break down of core theme and reflection of eight areas that has direct relationship with society. Outside of the graph, there are red skull signs and water wave sounds; those contain the trend and problem that people and society have face for long time.

The graphs catch peoples’ attention right away due to the multiple colors and very unique design. The design of the graph looks like a biology cells from science lab, there are multiple legs, subject themes that have correlation with brain, core themes and water as house of cell. One can assume the design is in unique cell form because the themes in the graph are like an air; it has always been around people and society. The bright combination of color visually stands out perfectly distinguishing each subject themes. The content is, what it really engages the viewers, the graph from 2009 predicts future’s trends and problems; it’s shocking to see now graphs predictions are very accurate. The most interesting fact is to find out consider minor problems and trend in 2009 have became major issues. If the graph is modified for 2014, the size of graph will decrease and there will be more themes floating around out side of the graph as global risks and dangerous currents.

The graph is well thought out to represent the problems and future trends, however it’s somewhat difficult to understand some themes due to the lacking explanation. It is hard to relate all core themes with each subject themes, if there is a variety of color usage for core themes to have clear distinguish with relating subject theme. The graph will look more appealing and easier to adapt.

This graph targets everyone, anyone who is living in the society. The core themes are important to everyone like a general logic and ethics. Eight different subject themes attract specific area of people, who are currently working in eight divided areas. For example, politician will be interested in pink leg in the graph, because it represents the trend and possible threats in politics. Everyone can be relate and interest in this graph, however anthropologists, sociologist or anyone who studies people and society will be most interest to observe and study this graph. Because the themes written in this graph represents pattern of trend in society and people, however it has never been made in to detailed graph and reflecting in every specific area of society. The main purpose of this graph is to create awareness to people, the graph does not show how to solve the problems, but it create attentions and interests from audiences to start making changes.

Who are you? My name is Kevin Ko, born 1995 May 3rd in South Korea. Our family moved to Canada, Toronto, when I was 10. I graduate elementary school, middle and high school in Canada, so I can speak both English and Korean fluently. I am very comfortable working in groups since I have experiences working with lots different groups. I was in football and rugby team for 5 years, and captain of both teams for 2 years. I also was part of student council member for 1 year as accountant. The experience working with team was usually harder then working alone, therefore I used to prefer work in individual. However, when I was chosen to be a captain of sport team and voted by students to become a member of student council change my personality and view toward teamwork. The first ever team experience I had was in 9th grade, when I got scouted to join the team by football coach. I did not have any experiences with football or playing with other team members, so most of time I did not get much plays time like others. My skill was not good enough to play with others and most of time I refuse to communicate with my team members. I guess word; “jerk” fits my past self. However I hate losing or look down upon by others. After the season I spend my whole time training alone to improve. When next season came, I became best lineman in the team and chosen as one of six captains. It was my first experience as leader, so I did not know how to lead others so I just focus on just playing my position in the team. I learn from other team captains, who were actually leading the team. I observe their style of leadership and tried to adapt their good quality as leader. Due to this effort I end it leading my football and rugby team until the end of my high school year. My team and school friends recognized my leadership; I ended up winning election as accountant in school. I was able to gain lots of experience as leader but also as a team. The self-center jerk has turned in to leader, who is always eager to learn and observe. I have discovered, when I started to take leading position and as group member, I found out my strong and weak side in working in team. My strong side as team member is that I am good at recognizing our teammates’ strength and weakness, so I am very good at distributing works. Due to three years as a leader in the team made me very confident speaker and decision maker. I am also not afraid of failing, because I think failing is just another step to success. One the other hand my weakness as working in team is that I have very bossy nature. I tend to make lots of decision for the team and sometimes get pushy and pressure on my teammates. This is reason why I think I am more suitable as teammates, who mostly helps in setting up the meeting time, and organizing the work. I will succeed in team if I have leader who can strongly fight against my bit arrogant personality. Through this creative team course, I am hoping to fix my weakness to take one more step as becoming a good leader. I want to have my own business some day, so it important for me to consistently improves my self.

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