CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 7. Illustrate: Make It Visual
“Graphical excellence is that which gives to the viewer the greatest number of ideas in the shortest time with the least ink in the smallest space.”
IN THIS CHAPTER
- Layout and form of a diagram
- Consolidating the content
- Designing the information
- Tools and software
- Case study: Mapping the lab test experience
“I’m not a graphic designer and can’t draw. How can I possibly create a diagram?” I get that reaction a lot in my experience mapping workshops.
There’s good news: mapping is not about artistic talent. It’s about bringing all of your findings into a single, cohesive storyline. The hard part isn’t the styling; it’s creating an insightful narrative of the experience.
Consider the diagram in Figure 7-1, created by Eric Berkman, coauthor of Designing Mobile Interfaces. Visually, it has very few elements, but it reveals key insights about both negative and positive service aspects at a Starbucks coffee shop. Diagrams don’t need to have elaborate graphics to be effective.
In some cases, a mere row of sticky notes on a wall may be all that’s needed—for instance, in a small startup where you’re working closely together informally. Other times, you’ll want something more polished: for example, if you’re presenting to the CEO of a large bank on a formal project. Regardless of the level of fidelity your illustration requires, a few principles of design go a long way ...
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