Data has the ability to open up so many different aspects of the media… the possibilities of reassemblage, modulation, and transduction opens the door to the potential interactions between various forms of data.
Over the past few weeks I have personally seen the huge role data plays in my life. Being given our visualization task and having the free range to research and present on any chosen topic, I saw the truth in a visualization having the ability to convert data from one form into another. It was quite evident to me that presenting data in a visual manner places a huge impact on our senses, shifting our individual experience when comprehending the facts placed in front of us. However, the fact of the matter is that essentially DATA is still the KEY!
In any shape, size or form we, as audiences, process the data presented to us. What helps are the forms of expression which “grab” the body and brain differently. This helps organize the audience experience, action and potential action differently. For example, increasing the interactivity of data allows the human brain to critically think and engage with content in a hyper-stimulated environment.
Fun Fact: Reading into the concepts of data and visualization, my mind wandered back to Week 1. iPads and e-readers were seen to be a development in the way children learn and how they are being currently educated with the assistance of such tools. But look at how it all connects, isn’t an iPad just another form of expression, where data (which is ALWAYS the key) is being presented in a stimulated, visual and interactive manner.
Further to this, is the process in which data moves can also be briefly summarized as below:
1. Data is extracted from a body or world or machine or a text
2. Data is then stored in an archive (hard drives, book shelves, etc)
3. Data is arranged with new forms of data (metadata) which then allows for new forms of expression and new forms of distribution or aggregation
Reference List:
UNSW Lecture Material – Visual Culture
