Content
Is the content right? Is the data right? Has any analysis been done correctly? There is nothing worse than spending a lifetime perfecting and refining your map only to find out you have the wrong data!
Data visualisation critique
Critique is a really powerful way of making better maps and data visualisations, and a useful tool in any visualiser’s arsenal. It’s not about picking holes in a map or data visualisation – but instead more of a holistic look at the overall design and message. Sometimes it can feel awkward or harsh, but when done right it is simply a constructive helpful tool. After all, once you’ve done all the data collection, cleaning, prep, analysis and ultimately visualisation, you don’t want all your work to go to waste if people then don’t engage with what you’ve made!
It's important to remember too that not everybody has access to critique – such as people who work on their own as a freelancer, or don’t have any colleagues with geographic data visualisation knowledge. Therefore, having the ability to get your work critiqued is a privilege and can even give you an advantage.
Things to remember when giving critique
When delivering critique to someone, it can also be helpful to frame it between some things you like about the piece This helps to keep the critique constructive, whilst also highlighting the good work which has gone into the map or data visualisation.
Here are some more tips to keep in mind when delivering critique to somebody:
It’s Not About You – keep your points focused on the map and how the designer can improve or alter it to better serve it’s purpose. The map should be critiqued on it’s own merit and not examined by personal bias toward any design element or concept.
Maintain Respect and Honesty - Remember that the map designer has put in a lot of time, thought and care into constructing the design. Honesty is a great tool in a design critique. The designer needs to hear the truth and understand the reasons why a map design is either working or not.
Avoid Meaningless Words and Phrases - It’s much better to have a thorough explanation rather than using vague meaningless phrases like,“the map needs to be more sexy”. Don’t hold back on the description of why something works or doesn’t work — the more info the better.
Be Specific - The point of the critique is to examine the map and see if it meets its intended message and goal. If explanations aren’t specific, the communication of the critique will suffer, and in turn the map and map designer will suffer as well.
Bear in mind the Cartographic Design Principles - Always refer back to our cartographic design principles before entering into any map critique (see here). When giving critique these can be good to centre your points around.
Ask Why - A good map critique should ask questions like “Why did you use the darker shade of blue for your water fill versus a lighter one?”. This kind of questioning allows the map designer to verbally explain why a decision was made and allows for a better understanding of the map and the design choices made.
Offer Suggestions - Suggestions should be welcome but this goes along with point number two above: be respectful and honest. Be respectful with your suggestions and make sure that you don’t just try to implement your own personal style or design ideas.
Useful criteria to remember when giving critique
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