The key research question from the design perspective is: which representation forms are suitable for the operationalization, analysis, control and imparting of highly complex indicator systems? Which representation forms considering concurrence of several variables and thus being multivariate allow both an overall view and detailed information of an indicator system and at the same time cope with the high number of indicators? Which visualization system is suitable for the communication of selected relevant information from the indicator system for a specific target group? The aim is to communicate the complex and multilayered information about sustainable development through unexpected and effective visual communication strategies and thereby influence attitudes and trigger actives.
Project title: Visualizing Indicator Systems using the example of Sustainable Development in Switzerland
Research area: Communication Design
Project lead: Barbara Hahn, Christine Zimmermann, Berne University of the Arts (BUA)
Project duration: 06/2009–12/2010
Project partner: Swiss Federal Statistical Office, Neuchâtel; Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE, Ittigen
Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), DORE programme