Today I looked at the Guardian Data Blog showing the raw data and statistics based on the UK riots (August 6th-9th 2011)and focused on the reported crimes such as Looting, Arson, Rioting, Shooting and Vandalism. From this information, in groups, we discussed the important factors that contributed to the riots and formulated a key(Fig 1)to help gather our data. Using pins and threads; we tallied the crimes( each cm = 1 count of crime) and developed our own way of showing this information (Fig 2&3).

Data Gathering

Figure 1:

Figure 2:

Figure 3:

On reflection, what became apparent, is that even though every group received the same raw data and materials to show the statistics of the London Riots, each group represented and communicated this information differently, in their own way, giving the power to create Authorship through a designers' perspective.

For further data, check out this link:

Infographics

For further inspiration, I wanted to look at artists who use pins and threads as methods of recording data. I looked at Katie Lewis, a conceptual artist who used pins, thread and pencil to mark data from aspects of her life.

Check out this link for further inspiration:

I particularly liked how this artwork represents the accumulation of data over time. This process displays strict rules on how data is collected, documented, and transformed into visually displayed art form for the purpose of gaining knowledge.

Another source of inspiration came from researching an exhibition called " Data Dimension", which collated art, design and technology, showing ways to " make data visible and what that means to our lives" (Programme Manager Kate Taylor).

"A Duet of Blizzards and Hurricane Noel II", by Nathalie Miebach

I liked how Meibach used pins, dots, threads and flags to show the gathered data, taken from a number of weather stations and satellites to show a visualisation of Hurricane Noel, which claimed 116 lives in 2007, in the Caribbean.

Check out this link for further inspiration: