“This vs. that” comparison: grocery store infographic

Course: Information Visualization

Project type: “This vs. that” comparison, individual project

The assignment

Overview
Create a “this vs. that” infographic, displaying one or more facets of comparison between two related items in the topic of your choice.

The focus of this project was conducting research and rapid iteration.

Topic selection
I often shop at two stores in my neighborhood, and realized that exploring the similarities and differences would allow me to identify the reasons someone might choose one over the other for some or all of their grocery shopping needs.

The project

Phase 1

Select topic

I often shop at two stores in my neighborhood, and realized that exploring the similarities and differences would allow me to identify the reasons someone might choose one over the other for some or all of their grocery shopping needs.

Conduct site visits

I conducted several site visits at each store, observing customers, documenting floor space usage, and identifying how each store’s product placement and layout was designed to attract their target customer.

Phase 2

Step 3

Identify themes

In looking at the data I collected, there were several key areas that people might use to select the “right” grocery store for their needs, depending on their priorities.

Select data sets

From the fourteen data sets I collected, I chose six, including both quantitative and qualitative data types, that I felt represented a diverse set of decision-making options.

Step 4

Step 5

First draft visualization

I then used Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to create my first draft, working to select the best way to represent each piece, while also working to create a cohesive final product.

Peer critique

After presenting my concept and first draft, classmates provided feedback on the project’s strengths and weaknesses.

Step 6

Step 7

Revise and iterate

Taking this feedback, I continued to refine and develop my infographic to ensure that all aspects were immediately understandable.

Finalize and present

The final phase included presenting the final product for presentation and critique.

Step 8

Software used

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Bridge

Skills demonstrated

Primary research gathering (in-person site visits)

Secondary research gathering (web-based research)

Data analysis

2D layout

Rapid iteration