Lawncare Decision

In creating this decision map I was trying to a clear representation of which lawn care product was suitable for different situations, without using words. I wanted to clearly represent the different conditions; temperature, dryness, and insects, without the use of language. I choose to use commonly known icons and colors. For the temperature aspect I had to use numbers because the specific 90degree point was important. The arrow and thermometer next to the “90” were used to show above or below. I also used red and blue in the thermometers to show warm and coolness. The dry and wetness elements incorporated images and color as well. The brown and yellow with the sun were to show dryness of the land. The rain icon was used to show wetness.

While creating the decision map I had an “AHA” moment. I realized that since I can read English the written instructions were understood but if I were the one searching for the correct product I’d rather look at the decision map. The lines and icons on the map make it much easier to follow rather than reading through all of the instructions. The map tracks my vision away from non-possibilities while when reading instructions I have to continue reading to make sure I went through all possibilities. If I were looking for the lawn care a decision map with words may or may not be easier for me to understand than with icons but for non-English speaking consumers the icons would work best. Decision maps can be very useful in making decisions because they lead you to the decision that fits for specific circumstances while at the same time eliminating ones that don’t apply.

Collage

Concept Map

In creating the concept map and using the topic of volleyball I was trying to achieve a way to describe the different concepts related to it in a visual manner. In creating the map it shows different types of volleyball and what’s involved. While creating the map I realized how much there could be included in it. It seems like a simple topic at first but while I was branching off more and more ideas came to mind. Between equipment, people, places, and types it can be extended to a variety of situations. The concept map helped to display the information in a much more organized way than the mind map. The main topic is clearly displayed with the sub-categories underneath. The words are easily seen because the lines cause our eyes to follow them to the next word that is then surrounded by a text box. It displays a network between everything while showing separation at the same time. In a similar way as the mind map, making this concept map made me realize there was more than I thought to the subject. I feel like I could have continued expanding and making more connections between things if I had gone further. The use of color assists in making connections as well. Some ideas stand out and show significance due to the color around the wording. A concept map is a good way of showing the inputs of a broader topic and how the inputs connect with one and other to create that larger image. In making this concept map it helped me to “see” all of the pieces that go into volleyball as suppose to just the game itself. Something that I’ve known for years but had never thought about all of the little things that are the make up of it.

Mind Map

Using the creation of a mind map I was trying to achieve a plan for my future goals. I’ve been having a lot of trouble lately figuring out my vision of my future. When I think about it my thoughts are scattered and have no direction or make much sense. By putting it onto I mind map I thought it would make more sense to me and give me the understanding I’ve been searching for.

For the first mind map I placed “the future” as my central topic. I put down the first things that came to mind, which were mostly physical things. My “AHA!” moment came to me during the first map when I realized that my map could basically go on forever. I have no idea about location, family, income, etc. in the future! I could never fit all of the possibilities. And everything I put down was very standard, broad topics, not personal ones. There wasn’t much color, not because it was my first map but because there was not much that came to mind when I made it. There were a lot of common standard things.

When I went to do the second map a few days later I didn’t think I’d come up with much but I realized my thoughts were very different then the first one. Instead of specific physical goals my thoughts centered much more on what I want for myself in the future mentally, emotionally, and what aspects of the physical things are important rather than the actual thing. I realized the colors I used in the second one were much brighter and energetic. I was looking at the future as an exciting time rather than the first one with uncertainty and wants and needs. This mind map exercise helped me to organize and understand my thoughts. My thoughts on the future are unclear because I still don’t know everything I want to achieve, I want to be successful and happy but how I do that could come in many ways. The mind map showed me the meaning behind what I thought might be my future goals. The color, space, and designs of the mind map made me realize what were actually more important to me than others.