Comparison
Comparison is a design method through which one can understand how a particular circumstance or situation can have different effects on two or more systems. This method reveals relationships and patterns among systems. Comparison is a useful method for measuring differences among systems which are similar or in the same context.
Example #1 Cited by the original source:
This is the Diagram of the Causes of Mortality in the Army in the East. Comparison is easier when diagrams are located next to each other on the same page. These diagrams compare the causes of army’s mortality in different years. The graph has 12 wedges representing each month, and three colors showing causes of death.
Example #2 found online:
This illustration is the comparison of countries population in the world. Each circle represents a country, and each continent is represented by different color. This data visualization has made the information appear simple.
https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-a-comparison-of-the-population-of-every-us-county-using-bubbles-2017-3
Example #3 found in real life:
Today was really windy. I was walking outside when I noticed a loud noise. I looked back and saw these outdoor chairs were blown away by the wind. I was wondering why only some of these chair has blown away and rest are set in their place. However, they are all the same regarding material and environment. This is an example of apple to apple comparison. The chairs are the same in the same situation. The only variable is their position to the wind.
Citation:
Lidwell, William, et al. Universal Principles of Design 125 Ways to Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, Increase Appeal, Make Better Design Decisions, and Teach through Design. Rockport, 2010.
Thanks Rui for your comments and sharing more examples. I do agree with you that we see comparison everywhere we go. We just need to be conscious about how we are comparing things to each other. we need to gather enough data to make sure we find correct relationships and patterns between objects.
Hi Team #1,
I like your unique examples in depicting Comparison.
People understand the way the world works by identifying relationships and patterns in or between systems. One of the most powerful methods of identifying and understanding these relationships is to represent information in controlled ways so that comparisons can be made. A Business would not know its profit of current year without looking at the comparison chart that’s presented in the yearly recap meeting. A teacher wouldn’t be aware how much progress the class has made without comparing the students’ performance from previous years. Comparison is everywhere in our life and very important for us to gather data so that we can use them to reflect on our designs.
https://canvasjs.com/jquery-charts/
Thanks Rui for your comments and sharing more examples. I do agree with you that we see comparison everywhere we go. We just need to be conscious about how we are comparing things to each other. we need to gather enough data to make sure we find correct relationships and patterns between objects.
Sahar,
Really enjoyed the example cited of various populations around the world. The visual representation, assuming an accurate scale, does a great job showing how US is just a fraction of the population of India and China. And yet I often wonder how is it that US culture can have such an outsized influence on many other parts of the world. As just an idea I wonder if there are other interesting ways to apply color besides by continent.
Alex,
Thank you for your feedback. I think there is an intention behind using few colors to make the illustration of countries’ population more readable and easily understandable.