Here is a fabulous article about the process that Google goes through to design the Google Maps cartography system.
To summarize the article (in my words):
The understanding of location differs based on cultural norms, so no global standard can be used for cartography. Instead of standardizing, the way the audience interprets data needs to be understood.
Linking icons to the signs used in the real-world assists with wayfinding: “This combination of global and local icons helps to make the map feel relevant and familiar to locals while being approachable and usable for tourists—allowing Google Maps to be internationally legible and approachable”
The design process focuses on helping people to do the things they need to do (task completion). All design decisions go through this filter.
The Google look-and-feel isn’t anything specific. Instead, “Googleyness” is based on the focus on the end-user’s tasks, and clarity of style.
Ryan Coleman gives a brief but inspiring presentation about the process of how we see and how that knowledge allows us to create designs that are more visually efficient. This is a nice introduction to a field every information designer should look into.
.
This talk is a much shorter version of the very useful presentation:
Hatfield Consultants, the place that I work, is looking for an Information System Specialist. The full job posting is online here. This person will work on all sorts of interesting projects, ranging from local linear development applications, to aquaculture applications to international opportunities in Africa and SE Asia.
Required Skills and Experience
Must be able to work independently and with a team to design, implement and test web based data management, project management and collaboration systems;
High attention to detail;
Excellent English written and verbal skills;
5+ years experience developing ASP.NET/PHP/Java web applications;
Be able to work in a team context with non-technical users;
B.Sc (Computer Science), B.Tech, B.Eng or related degree with equivalent experience;
The typical refrain of Engineers is “ERTW”: “Engineers Rule The World”, but Engineers without borders is trying to change this to “ESTW” – Engineers Serve the World”:
Uncategorized | Jason | 
January 10, 2012 10:47 am | 
Comments (0) 
RSS Feed