Clues for making map

Last Friday evening we discussed the clues for our design. We found some points that can be used in our map, which came from our reader and former study.

1 When we use our eyes, we only process details in the centre of the visual field. At the edge of visual field, images are blurry. (Chapter 1) We can make the starting point clear to suggest it is the place worth attention. Other part of the map shouldn’t be as on focus as the starting point so that it won’t catch the first attention.

2 Unique size of dot and oblique direction of dot help to pop out. (Chapter 2) In our map, if we want some museum or shop stand out, we can make the icons bigger than others or give them different direction.

3 The brain of human contains mechanisms that define regions having common texture and color, and we can use texture to make distinct. (Chapter 3) In our map, we can design unique texture for icons to imply direction.

4 Using different channels (forms, colors and motion) can make several things searchable at the same time. Differences in two or more channels can make huge distinction. (Chapter 3) If we want one icon really stands out, we can make difference on more than one channel, such as color and size together.

5 Color codes can help to indicate categories of information. And there are six basic colors that are special and used no matter what the language. (Chapter 4) In our map, we can choose color codes to show different land-use zones as other maps. And these color need to come from special ones to make sure they are accepted by all travelers.

6 Simultaneous contrast increases the difference between a color and its surroundings. And it is called chromatic contrast in red-green or yellow-blue channel. Besides, luminance also affects attention. (Chapter 4) In our design, we can use contrast color on different category of icons and emphasize the difference. Besides, to make the map in the circle catch more attention, we can do something on luminance.

7 Color contrast and luminance helps to objects distinction. (Chapter 4) When we want to hide some route or icons, we can decrease their color contrast and luminance contrast with the surrounding.

8 When we have a lot of icons in the same position, occlusion can provide both a method and a metaphor for rank ordering. (Chapter 5) When we work on our own map, we make the most important icon occlude the less important ones.

9 People have mirror neurons in their brain. And when they see some facial gestures, they will copy them in brain and feel the emotion and action from the image. (Chapter 7) Thus in our map we can use facial gestures to guide users of direction.