Final map design:
Process: Overall composition of the map
Process: Final background map layer (illustrator version)
Process: Making the little trash cans
Trash collection dates:
Description of the map:
As a group we wanted to show a map of the density of trash in a certain area of New York, more specifically SoHo in the areas on Prince Street. Moreover, the reason that we chose SoHo and this particular area is because we were interested if there was any correlation between the amount of trash being produced and luxury stores in the area. Therefore, we looked at the trash cans located on each block that we were researching and decided to show a map that would link the density of trash and luxury stores in SoHo (specifically the week of the 16th – 23rd of October).
Reflection of the project and process:
The process for this project was very enjoyable and taught me a lot on how to collect data on a bigger scale. It was also fun to collect the data on something that was from my own perspective and what I believe fit into the criteria of our project and scope of the map. I had to keep asking myself what do I consider trash? Which areas of SoHo do I want to study? What do I define as a luxury store?
Furthermore, the making of the map had challenging aspects, starting from the choice of material to how we wanted the information to be presented; what fonts we should use, what colors are more effective and what do they translate? At the beginning we chose to make the map on the mylar sheet, however after our first critique we decided to create a background with the main information and make our map interactive. We used different layers for the different trash collection dates and decided to make it customizable with the Mylar. Therefore, the map can also change according to the different weeks and the different trash sizes can be placed elsewhere. We wanted the map to show more than that specific week and therefore, wanted to adapt the materials and set up so that it can be used continuously in the future.
Nevertheless, we also faced some challenges with the group work as our tasks had to be split between two instead of three. However, we managed and were able to split up the work equally in a way that both parties contributed to the group!
Overall, the assignment taught us a lot on communication and how to work collaboratively while also being able to develop a creative vision with another person which can be hard as we tend to become attached to our won ideas. This project felt like a success in the end.