Figure 19A. John Snow's 1854 map is described as the first data visualisation to solve a problem. Dr. Snow mapped out the locations of drinking sources then plotted Cholera deaths as they occurred. Eventually this allowed him to pinpoint the two wells causing the cholera outbreak and they were closed. Well designed information is powerful. Looking into the data will help us better solve the problem, a graphic would allow us to share that information broadly.
Figure 19B. In considering how we might collect data from a farm, we looked at the existing technologies (Figure 19B).. We looked at technologies such as auditory methods for listening to the sounds plants make (Figure C), and plant sensors (Figure B) that dynamically measure temperature and moisture, etc.
Figure 19D. However, upon meeting with Spitalfields City Farm to understand their needs and perspective, we quickly realised that forcing technology onto this space wasn't going to be an option. While they saw the benefits they also felt it would detract from their intent. However, they did need help collecting data for a grant application and asked for our assistance.
Figures 19E-F. Upon further research into the farm, we learned that Spitalfields was settled by Huguenots working as silk weavers. To preserve this history, the farm even has a loom setup for visitors to try. This led us to consider a woven data visualisation to not only build on that history but also to provide an engaging representation of the data.
