Concept Map Draft 2

Concept Map Draft 1

Order of Cognition

I am very glad that I conducted all of the interviews that I did, particularly the "deaf interviews." I recieved great insight into the natural order of cognition for the game of soccer (and probably all games in general).

The most important thing about learning is understanding where to start. When interviewees started with an "entry point" that was very broad, I could follow the information very easily. When an interveiwee began with specifics and jumped from topic to topic, it was dificult to understand and put all the information together. I also experienced this by observing concept maps created by other people. All I saw was a bunch of words and images connected, but I did not know where to begin. I needed a start, and I needed a direction (atleast at the beginning).

So I came up with an order that best helps the cognition of the game of soccer. The preceeding information is needed to understand the next bit of information. My concept map will be structured around this order, and the direction will be very explicit.

Order of Best Cognition:

1) The Topic (with a goal expressed- Learn Soccer)

2) Object of the game

3) Basic elements (physical artifacts)

a. Ball
b. Goal (the object)
c. Players / Teams
d. Feild
e. clock
f. Referee

4) Definitions of elements (can be described through picutres)

5) Rules governing elements

6) What happens when the rules are broken (disciplinary actions)

7) Exceptions to the rules

MY USER

Yay! I have finally finally finally decided on a specific user. The user of my Soccer Deconstruction Map will be a game observer (also known as a fan.... haha). They will have no prior knowledge of the game, and only wants to know the information important to understanding the game as they watch.

The user will find himself using the concept map in one of two circumstances, or maybe both. These two cicumstances are: reguarding the concept map during a game, or reguarding the concept map without watching the game. My goal is to construct a concept map that is useful in understanding soccer under both conditions.

Now that I know that my user will be a game observer, I have more direction into the econimization of the presented data. Information such as "what a cleat is", or "proper pre-game stretched" will be of little use to my user. I will eliminate any data that is not helpful for my user's task (task- understand the game as it is being watched).

Concept Map Sketches

Last night I attempted 3 concept maps. Each one was structured in a different way. I have discovered that the user best understands based on patterning. Once the pattern of information has been established, the user must only repeat the learned pattern for each new bit of information. This allows the user to anticipate the presentation of new information and reduces learning stress and frustration.

So what exactly does this all mean?

Well, there are several methods for depicting information in concept maps. Each one has to do with the flow of information, or the path the user will take in navigating through the information. Examples include a path based on topics and subtopics (usually ordered starting with simple concepts leading towards difficult and specific concepts), a time based path (this would read similar to a narative with a "first you need this", "then you do that", "next, this results), and third is a landscape map (this would relate all the information about soccer to the feild itself, and relative physical positions).

Of course, a bit of each method will be used in the final design, but there should be a deffinite focus on one of the techniques to allow this pattern learning to happen. Does that make sense to anyone?

Evolution Theory

I was extremely interested in the implementation of my Soccer Deconstruction. Where would it be used? Who would be using it? How will the users benefit from using this information. What is the next step?

After reading the "seven pitfalls of usability" these questions would not stop running through my head. I especially found the concept of "information evolution" to be amazing. Yet, I am designing a static board, and evolution of the information is difficult to incorperate. It seems more relevant in designing with manipulatable information mediums (such as a website). Perhaps there is still some way I could design evolution into my presentation board, and allow space for future expantion.

Of course I will still design a static board, but perhaps the board is just a starting point for a line of informative pamphlets on the game of soccer. At highschool soccer games, the very general poster will be displayed and a complimenting pamphlet would be given to the fans. Each game would feature a new pamphlet offering deeper information. The pamphlet would not be the reason for people to attend the soccer games, but this new understanding of the game will make the game experience much more pleasurable for the fans. In effect, the fans are more likely to attend games. This in turn effects the team's performance, because a better fan turn out results in pride and passion amongst the players. Wow! I like this idea.... but the problem is the pamphlets must create an INFORMATION DESIRE, because randomly dispersed information is hardly reguarded.

A Quick Summary of Usability Pitfalls

Today I searched for some liturature on Information Architecture tips and techniques. I will often do this in a project, but not for the purpose of following the suggested rules and guidelines. Instead, the rules and guidelines often plant seeds of information into my thoughts about the project. I'll often come up with new directions for the problem, and new epiphanies (sometimes totally unrelated to the reading.)

In my search I stumbled across the article, Design Usability Seven Pitfalls to Avoid in Information Architecture, By Louis Rosenfeld. He explains 7 problems he sees in web design by information architects. I boiled down his points as they apply to my Soccer Deconstruction project.


1) User-Centered Design
Don't swing two far in anyone direction. Make it easy, but balance usability it with content (appropriate and quality information) and context (the task at hand).

2) Too Many Paths to Information
Sure, lots of information paths are out there... but don't use all of them. Two many paths = no path at all. "20 percent of all possible navigational approaches will likely satisfy 80 percent of users’ navigational needs."

3) Too Much Information
Too much info mean less understanding and information obsorbtion. Choose the appropriate info, not all the information.
"sophisticated [info architects] spend more time trying to get rid of content than adding it."

4) Neglecting Evolution
"All of your efforts will be completely wasted if the architecture won’t scale and evolve over time."

5) Measuring Performance
Test, test, test, test the design.

6) Forgetting the Fundamentals
"Your job is not to design a site hierarchy. Or a site map. Or a search system. Your job is to help users find what they need, regardless of how it’s done."

7) The Illusion of Rules
"There simply are no absolutes in information architecture, because there are so many variables...Trust no gurus. Seek guidelines that help shape your creativity instead of rules that constrain it."

Personal thoughts about the article. I was shocked to learn that many information architects focus entirely too much on the user. I'm confident that I do not fall into that category, because I am searching for a balance in useability, information content and information as a tool for the desired task. I was not surprised however, to see a strong emphasis on user testing. This allows you to see if you have in fact found a balance between the user, content and context.

Probably the most intriguing of all the "pitfalls" was the understanding of EVOLUTION. This word sparked many fantastic ideas to consider and explore....but more on that later.

2 Possible Users

I have been talking quite a bit about the user of my concept map. Information is useless without a user recieving and percieving. But I'm not just interested in having my user understand the information I provide them, I want my user to be able to use the information as a tool for their everyday life.

My concept map will impliment user-centered design, with a key understanding of what task the user wishes to accomplish.

I have narrowed my potential user to two different categories: PLAYER and OBSERVER



PLAYER____________________________
If a person wants to use my Soccer concept map with the intention of participating in the game, they will use the diagram in a much different way then the soccer observer.

Cognition Behaviors
1) the map will NOT be in front of them as they play
2) The player will need to UNDERSTAND first
3) and then RECALL information second

Content
1) attire and equipment
2) the feild markings
3) rules
4) what happens when you break a rule?
5) techniques (possibly)
*** information will need to be focused around actions***

Language
1) focus on terms that deffine the above topics
2) terms used should help the player communicate with other players, coaches, referees
3) less use of laymen's terms, and more accurate soccer terminology


OBSERVER_______________________
The soccer fan will utilize the information of soccer much differently then the soccer player. His task is different, behavior in using the diagram will be different, and the appropriate content of the concept map will also be different

Cognition Behavior
1) The diagram used by an observer might or might not be in front of them as they use the concept map
2) If the diagram is in front of the person they will need to
a. recognize/distinguish first
b. understand the information second
3) If the diagram is NOT with the person they will need to
a. understand first
b. recall information second
c. there will still be a need for easily distinguishing between game elements

Content
1) equipment- as related to the game
2) players/teams
3) actions (causes)
4) consequences of actions (effects)
5) feild markings
*** information will focus around be recognizing and distinguishing one element from the other ***

Language
1) focus on terms related to above content
2) allow the observer to understand the game announcer
3) allow the observer to communicate with other observers
4) more lenient with using "non-official" terminology

Narative Draft - 1

Lauren Briana Mazzio
Professor Jon Kolko
IDUS 370: Information Architecture
01/18/06


Narrative


I had just graduated college, with a degree in art history. “How are you supposed to get a job with that?” my mother would say day after day. The truth is, even after four years of schooling, I really don’t know what to do with my career. The months after graduation were marked with job attempt after job attempt. I tried all the typical “art-student-jobs,” one at an organic coffee shop, another as a waitress at a sushi restaurant, and how could I leave out my exciting time as a receptionist at a laughably tiny art museum. Despite the amazing promise of all the above (note my extreme use of sarcasm) I decided to bag the career pursuit.

I needed to learn what I hadn’t while I buried in books on “Dada” and the “phenomena of beautiful moments.” Now don’t laugh, this is going to sound cliché. I needed to find myself.

Just like that, I jumped on a plane to France. Maybe I could find myself there. Weeks went by, and I began to tire of hostel-hopping. At that same moment I was staying in Bernard’s basement. Bernard and I had met in a small bar, in a small village, over a small glass of wine. He offered his basement to me in exchange for extra help doing repair work in his bakery.

Bernard was an interesting man with sharp abrasive features. He stood almost a head’s height above me, and swung his lanky limbs passionately as he spoke, yet his bushy unibrow and beak of a nose remained unmoving. Bernard was the town baker, the only one in the village of 200, and was the only resident fluent in English. He welcomed me immediately. The other villager’s were not so willing to socialize with “the stupid American.”

I was not a huge soccer fan, and knew nothing about the sport, but I decided to attend of Bernard’s soccer games. With Bernard’s long arms and massive hands, he was the perfect goalie for the little town’s soccer team. I was surprised to find out that the entire 200 villagers were in attendance. There was a patchwork of blankets framing the balding grass field. Upon the blankets were babies in cloth diapers, parents pointing towards the players and debating as if arguing over the Roe Vs. Wade decision, and the elderly sat in whicker chairs that the kids helped carry to the field. I was the only poor blanketless sap in the crowd. After finding a healthy patch of grass, I sat trying to ignore the glaring eyes I was now growing accustomed. Then, I realized, for the first time, not a single glance was directed towards the “stupid American.” Though I had distanced myself physically from the others (but not enough as to look standoffish) I, for the first time, felt a comradery amongst my new neighbors. We were all together for the love of the sport, and the pride of the town.

I attended every soccer game after that, each time positioning myself closer and closer to the patchwork of blankets, until my own blanket was en masse with the others. I joined the roaring crowd as Matteo passed the ball right between an opposing player’s legs. I jumped and hollered when the team’s star shooter, 17 year-old Nico, rocketed the ball before the goalie had a chance to flinch. I cheered the loudest when Bernard batted the ball away from the goal. It was his signature move. He sometimes he hit it with so much force it would strike the shooter square in the chest.

It was nearing the end of the season, and we were up against our biggest rival, the neighboring village of Bonnieux. Nico had already scored one goal and was dribbling down the field, gaining speed, focusing his war-like passion for another. Back. Forward. But a huge wall of a man from the other team was rushing in for the ball. Nico sent a blind pass to Matteo, but not before little Nico was pummeled by soccer-asoraus. Nico’s face twisted in a silent grimace. There were no words or sounds necessary to see he would need to be taken from the game.

I been stricken with infatuation and admiration for each of the players, and was appalled at what I had witnessed. My gut reaction was to stand up and holler profanities, order the referee to stop the clock and issue a red card. That is exactly what I did. As soon as my outburst was complete, I slapped both hands over my mouth in complete shock. What just flown from my lips? It was the game of soccer, and it was in perfect French. An old man, who always remained silent, stood up from his wicker chair and repeated my sentiments in agreement. Another man stepped towards me and rattled off his speculations that the foul was intentional. I was no longer a passive participant. The town had accepted me.

Later that night, I went out with the men for drinks. Together we raised our glasses to Nico and the team. We drank, we sang, we talked. The men were patient with my broken French, and I was understanding a bit about myself. Exactly what it was that I found in myself that night, I am still not quite sure. All I know is, as I folded my soccer blanket I could not help but smile, and I went to bed with a sense of rejuvenation.

Soccer For Dummies

A part of the assignment in deconstructing the game of soccer is to write a narrative. As I began writing my soccer narative, I realised I did not have a full understanding the intricacies or the ordering of the game to provide details for the story. My plan was to go and either play soccer or watch soccer. However, I realised that this type of information could give insight into the passion and feel of the game, but what I really needed was a simply layed out depiction of the rules and regulations in a cause effect way.

For this I consuled that wonderful bright yellow book that we all know and love in this class, "Soccer For Dummies." It deffinitely helped. I especially want to note how the author(s) present their information. The book on a whole is organized topically based on the users needs. Many people purchase this book- soccer player, soccer observers, parents with children in soccer, coaches, and people who just want to understand the game. This was fantastic! I fell into the category of "people who just want to understand the game" and I did not need to know how what drills are great for coaching, or how to console a six year old who just lost his first game.

This made me think again about who my user is... a parent, a fan, a player?

Then, the book broke down the data topically, with subtitles. The topics presented were very fluid. The preceeding topic related to the next which then related to the next (though I want to stress that the topics themselves formed the string of relationships and had little to do with relationships in time order). Slowly the information became more and more specific, with the hardest concepts at the end. I have found that the most difficult topics to explain are the offsides violations, over time proceedures, and the different kicks resulting from the ball traveling out of bounds, and fouls. It is easier to explain these more difficult topics once the basics are covered.

"Soccer for Dummies" broke each of these mini topics down in an interesting way. Instead of presenting the information generally then specifically, the reverse method was used. Detailed descriptions were used often followed by a "basically...." or an "in other words..." and then a simple one-line wrap up of the topic.

Interesting...

DEAF INTERVIEWS (formalized)

As I was conducting interviews, I saw an opportunity for a new method of user research. I have coined the technique "Deaf Interview." Using this method you ask to interview a person on a specific topic, but pretending to be deaf and unable to read lips. This forces the interviewee to use alternative methods of communication such as diagraming, sketching, role playing, etc.

I have found this to be a fantastic tool for uncovering the structure of information within the person's mind on the topic discussed. You will observe heirarchy of information based on their use of word and image size. You will observe their understanding of relationships based on the information order, and proximity to other bits of information. You will observe what types of information (diagram, text, role playing) best displays each concept they discuss.

Due to the potential of this new form of user research, I decided to formalize the method. I have observed certain behavior, wording, tools and environment conditions produce the better results then others. Listed below are a few techniques vital for conducting a successful Deaf Interview


Deaf Interview Vital Techniques:

1) Be on the same side of the table as the person you are interviewing (probably the most important of all)

2) Before starting, explain that you will be pretending to be deaf during the duration of the interview. Be sure to include that you cannot read lips, but can read.

3) Also before starting, let them know they can draw, make hand guestures, act, and use props (they are more likely to use these techniques if you mention them).

4) Provide a wide variety of "ambiguous tools" such as paper (white and of varried color), pens and markers, and possibly boucy balls, popsicle sticks, and clay. (DO NOT: have literal tools such as a doll and dolls clothing it the topic is girl's toys. DO NOT: bring a pencil and an eraser)

5) Keep a running journal of the order in which they write/act/make guestures and of what they are trying to express.

6) Include in the journal how well the information is communicated.

7) Remain engaged with your interviewee and give them positive feed back through out (otherwise they will quit because this is a long and tedious task).

8) As soon as the interview is over, try to put their written/drawn pages in order.

9) This would be best done with a video camera if you have time (you would not need to take many notes, and instead remain engaded in the interaction).

10) Let them know they may stop as soon as they feel they have fully explained the topic.

Interview 3- transcription

INPROGRESS!

Alright in the game of soccer you have a field with two goal and the goals are made of a net and posts
And you kick it with your
There are no times out in soccer
The coach just blows the whistle and tells someone to go in or out
You have a person who is a striker
I don’t know what the other positions are
But the best soccer players are kungfu masters
That’s because you can apply kungfu to everything
What is your experience with soccer
I only ever played soccer in highschool recess
He was just kicking a soccer ball
It’s just fun to kick the ball around and come up with different kicks and
different maneuvers like round house kicks and flips

Interview 2- transcription

IN PROGRESS

B-Could you please explain to me the game of soccer as if I have no idea what it is, no clue, have never heard of it before

Okay you have 11 players on each team.
This is a sport
And there is a soccer ball about the size of a basketball
A little smaller, a little smaller.
And each team is trying to get the ball and kick it into a goal which is at either side, like a rectangle
There’s two of them
The other team is defending
One team has the ball and is trying to score
You have to kick it through a little rectangle that has a net in it
And um
Some of the positions are
There’s one goalie for each side
There’s two defensive players
Three centers I think
And the goalie
There’s a few more
2 halfbacks
You have to use your feet
You can use your hands and shoulders
You just can’t use your arms
No hands or arms
Anyother way you can get the ball into the goal, it counts
If you use your head it’s called a header
And you kick it out of bounds
If it goes out of bounds on each
But your feet have to be on the ground you can drag them but they can’t leave the ground when you’re throwing it in
If the ball goes out
The opposing team
And they kick it in and try and get their
Currently America own Freddie Adiew
A 14 year old or he’s probably 15 now from africa
A very accelerated
We’re hoping that this child, this star child will up america’s representation, reputation in the sport of soccer
The last team to win the world cup was France no no no Germany
France or Germany
Or Portugual maybe
What’s the U.S? mlb
What is it like 90 minutes per game
Two 45 min halves in each soccer game
That’s soccer
That’s soccer for ya’
Soccer in a bubble

Interview 1- transcription

IN PROGRESS

here’s some paper and a pen feel free to use it if you want, don’t if you don’t. only if it helps you explain

okay, explain to me soccer

soccer I think originated in Europe by the Italians I think it was the italians
it is very common in latin america
we actually call it football
football is for us
because it is foot and ball
and my dad was a
well
he used to coach a long time ago but he just doesn’t do it anymore
you have to exercise a lot and you have to be a really good runner
I’m not sure what the different roles you gotta play
Some are runners
Some are the ones that stop the goal
Um
Theres
I think the world series for baseball
I think it’ s very similar to
The world cup it’s called
That’s like the big game
Right now I think that argentina and brazil
To us it’s a big thing
Like kids over there get together
They just go and sit with their family and watch the whole thing
Brazil and argentina are the ones that win
I think if you don’t
Let’s say if a third world country actually wins there’s no way they can keep on playing
We don’t have like a stadium
So
They just give it to the loser anyway
I know some people
This is really cool
IN central America they have the Aztecs and the myans
The myans yused to play with a rock and usually the warriors would play it
It was to show that you were brave
Who ever would win would be beheaded sacrificed
If you were a loser you would just look bad
The sacrifices are usually
Their not going to sacrifice their losers
They have to sacrifice the best people
They would even sacrifice virgins, priests and warriors
Maybe that’s why it’s
You can get pretty hurt a lot
I’ve heard of
Not just a physical thing
People have to play in the rain
People have died of getting electrocuted you know like by lightening
I know this guy he is Columbian and he has this big hair
I forget his name
Roberto carlos madilona
And now he is a big cocaine addict
But he’s praised in argentina
Even though he did a lot of drugs
Actually he is still doing drugs

I know my favorite one is brazil
Like in 1993 I thing
We won, my country wob
We didn’t have a stadium
I wish I knew where we were playing this year

It’s also played in the united states
It’s called soccer, not football
They have girls
Girls can play
I was in tenth grade and I didn’t make it
I thought it was going to be easy but you have to run so much
It’s so exausting
Most of the girls that made it on the team were muscular and really tall girls and good in other sports
But you know it just takes practice

In mexico it is a big big big thing
My dad
How Mexicans how they are
That’s their life and everyone just stops what their doing
And they cry about not about catastrophies and things like that but about their favorite team losing
There are a lot of fans
Argentina and mexico when they go to the games and their favorite team loses
They start getting into fights and then it get’s really bad and kids get hurt
Abd they start breaking things

I’ve heard that in places like up north
Their team loses
The college students start going crazy and throwing things

I don’t think every country in latin America has a football- soccer team
Usually the big countries
The ones that are economically well are the ones that usually get elected
Because they are good and they take good care of them
I know in hondouras they get paid in crap
Yeah it’s called the world cup now I remember
I know mexico
And of course the United stated
I know the girl in the gatoraide commercerial
I think she retired
That’s the only person that I know
She is a big big thing in the soccer world
Usually male dominated

The Japanese I think are kinda good
And um I don’t know if the united stated I think
They’re playing germany this year
You know like the world series
They have the different levels of competition
The Americas competition
A thing with in central America
From there they start picking
It becomes like a drop
From there I becomes smaller and smaller
I know that argentina has won many times and that’s why they are so concided
And in my high school there were a lot of argentinian people
Arg and peru
They used to wear their soccer shirts who ever they were going for they would wear it
That’s their life, it’s kinda sad

I also used to play just for fun I used to play with a couple other guy that I didn’t really know with
And myself and my other friend
And be able to play but usually the guys
They didn’t let us use the ball
How do you actually play
How do we play
We have 2 teams
And there is a net on each side
And the goal
Goal haha
For each team is to go and make a goal
And Kick the ball in the opposite in the opposite end
If it touches the net it is in
It’s supposed to touch it all the way
If it goes just in half way it’s not considered a goal
They wear these gloves like ti block it
When they get too close so the guy is able to get the ball from him
So the guy is able to get the ball
And so the people have to go back to the middle
Go back to their positions
The guy who blocks the ball has to kick it to his team and start all over again
Also when it’s time out
When it’s time to
When they run out of time
So now they have to
I don’t know what they call it
I think they call it goalie
They start like getting
I not really sure how it goes
Yeah when they run out of time
And it’s like tight
Each member has to try and score
I think the whole team
Has to get in the front and
And one of the players from the opposite team
No I’m not sure
It’s complicated
After they run out of time
Each member each player
Has one chance to make a goal
After one player tries to make it then a play
Until they run out of players
Whoever made the most goals
I don’t know how to explain it
I’m not a soccer fan as you can see
But it’s fun to watch better then baseball because there is a lot of running
I know mexico has their own um
They play against each other with in the country
Each state or province plays against each other
I think that’s about it, I don’t know much

Thank you very much
I now understand the game of soccer.

bullshit

Playing the Game

Yesterday, I attempted to play an informal game of soccer with my fellow Info Arch class mates. My technique was laughable, and the entire experience was very eye openning. I realized that I know a bunch of facts about the game (ex. the deffinition of a banana kick, and that the Myan indians orginally played the game with human heads and goat heads)... however, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO PLAY THE GAME!!! Deffinitions, and rules in list form do not show the overall whole of the game of soccer.

Playing soccer with limited understanding of game was actually a wonderful aid in my research. I now know what I don't know, and what information is pertinent to playing the game. Obviously, the end diagram of soccer will not cover every little detail. I will need to boil down all the information, using only what information is needed.

[ note to self:

EXERCISE INFORMATION ECONOMY and ABSTRACTION

MAKE A LIST OF WHAT I KNOW I DON'T KNOW ]

Deaf Interview

I was walking back to my car after my final interview. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed. Though I know I will gain something from the data I collected, I'm not quite sure if the data will be as eye-openning as I thought. Not a single person used the pen and paper that I had offered them. Also, the people chosen at random seemed to have very little knowledge of the subject, and therefore could not talk very long. You need to have the information to order and recall the information.

Then I had an interesting idea. Why not attempt a "deaf interview"? I got into my car and drove to the library. I looked around for someone who seemed to be just browsing. I ended up meeting a boy named Brian who, as it turns out, had quite an extensive soccer knowledge base. He agreed to sit down with me to be "interviewed."

I asked him the exact same question that I had asked during the verbal interviews, "Can you explain to me the game of soccer as if I have no knowledge of the sport, and in fact have never even heard of it." Then I added one last bit which made all the difference, "and by the way, I am deaf and can not read lips." I handed him a paper and a pen and before he started I let him know that he could either draw or write, and use all the paper and time that he needed (both of which he took full advantage of).

I sat and took notes as he silently wrote and drew the game of soccer for almost 45 minutes. It was absolutely an amazing experience. I scanned in his "interview", which are shown to the right. My notes are shown below. Next I have to to a full analysis and come to some conclusions... until then

Interviews

Last night, I went out and used some left over Christmas cash to buy myself a digital voice recorder. As soon as I got home I conned my roommate into doing an interview with me. I asked her to explain the game of soccer to me as if I had no knowledge of the game, and in fact had never even heard of it before. I repeated this with another person, who I approached at random at Forsythe Park. Then I asked the same question of a group of people, who collaborated in explaining the game to me. I still have to transcribe and analyze what I have found.


Things to look for:

1) The way the mind structures data (general to specific... topically... naratively... from stringing relationships)
2) terminology used
3) concepts difficult to explain
4) how well I was able to follow their explination based on their method of structuring the data
5) good use of the language
6) problems of the language used (ex. possible word confusion due to multiple meanings)

The Language Joke

Language is a funny thing. There are words with multiple meanings. There are multiple words that mean the same meaning. There are words that sound the same but are not. There is local vernacular. There is occupational jargon. There is slang. Words are confusing.

Words and meanings are extremely important to this project since the project goal is the communication of information. I want to gather a list of as many soccer terms as I possibly can. I will define them all. I am sure that I will not get much out of this. But what I do next will be very important. I will list related terms next to each individual soccer term. Then I will go through and identify the nature of the the two terms relationship (ex. equivalence, antonym, subclass).

I am aware of a couple ways of relating terms, and creating information structures

Taxonomies are one of the most basic ways of relating words. With a taxonomy words are classified by creating classes and subclass hierarchies. One great aspect of taxonomies are that they are easily conceptualized. In fact, I read somewhere that the mind understands and opperates all events and ideas using taxonomies (note to self: find out more about this!!!! this might help you in understanding how to best structure your soccer deconstruction map... also when you interview people see if they speak in taxonomies... and if they do, is it easy to understand?) Unfortunately, this type of "parent-child" or "general-specific" relationship is the only kind that taxonomies define. There are many more types of relationships out there... and that is where ontologies come in. Taxonomies have even more restrictions then ontologies. (taxonomies are like making " affinity diagrams")

Ontologies are based on a relationships and the rules that diffine those relationships. I have found that they are less limiting then taxonomies, and provide much more information. However, showing ontologies tends to be messy and confusing because they allow for multiple types of relationships. (ontologies are sort of like making mindmaps)

Syllogisms are yet another way of relating words. You have much more leway with this method of defining relationships. The basic set up is a simple sentence structured like this:

word one ---> [relationship] ---> word two

example:
mom ---> is equivalent to ---> mother

Almost any relationship can be expressed in a syllogism (I will have to think of a time when it fails). The biggest problem I have with syllogisms is that I can only see one relationship at a time. I cannot "zoom out" and see the whole picture or easily see the relationships in a visual way.

What I am proposeing to do is to print each soccer word on a slip of paper and then tack them to the wall. Then I will arrange them based on taxonomies (making an affinity diagram). Then related terms will me connected with string (this is showing the data ontologically). But each string will describe the nature of the relationship depicted by the string color (showing the terms related my syllogy). Then I will see what I see and go from there.

[not to self: is there anyway I could create or simulate a folksonomy for this project? That would be fantastically interesting!]

I am not the user

As I keep a mental note of my own learning, I must also remember that I am not the user. To understand how the user comprehends soccer I need to probe the brains of others. There are a few things I would like to do.

First, I will interview 3-5 people who range from limited to extreme in their exposure to soccer. I will ask them one thing, "explain soccer to me" and encourage them to speak for as long as they possibly can. I will also give them pen and paper incase they want to use visuals to explain. Things to look for will include:

1) the order they reveal information
2) the language they use
3) times when their explinations are unclear
4) times when they have a loss for words
5) how much they rely on visual aids
6) how they choose to manipulate the pen and paper
7) how all of the above changes based on the relative knowledge of soccer

I have a couple other ideas that involve user studies, but the interviews are already quite a lot of work to undertake. I do not want to overwhelm myself, so I will start interviewing and return to the topic of user study ideas once I am finished.

Project Introduction & Initial Thoughts

The assignment given is to create a visual representation of soccer in poster form.

A person should be able to view our poster and easily gain a deep understanding of soccer and the rules governing the game. It is not quite as easy as it sounds. I have seen previous students attempt similar projects. They toiled over the deffinitions of hundreds of game terms and related jargon. The word "ball" alone could easily take an hour to fully define. They sweated over the appropriate visual style to convey the message most effectively. And they stayed up for nights slicing, piecing together, and (most importantly) econimizing the most pertinent data to be used. Even after all their work and effort, many of the students' projects left me confused and frustrated.

I have no experience playing soccer. I have no experience watching soccer. I know that players kick a ball into a goal, and that is the extent of my knowledge. Yet, I see my lack of knowledge as a benefit, not a hinderance. As I learn the game of soccer I will pay close attention to which bits of information make the most sense to me... what types of information contain the most data with the least bit of congnitive struggle... and the what order of the information recieved makes comprehension easiest and most pleasurable.


which info (ex. deffinitions/rules/story/feild diagram)
info type (ex. graph/long text/captions/numbers/photos/symbols/video)
info order (ex. feild diagram -> player positions -> player action -> name of action -> result of action )

Class one.

I walked into the first day of my Information Architecture class shaking. I was completely terrified and out of my perverbial "element".

What the hell is Information Architecture anyway? What is information? What is language? These were all questions thrown at me much too early in the morning (I should have stopped for coffee on my way to class). I uncharacteristicly remained quiet, trying silently to come up with a conclusive/ inclusive answer to the questions bubbling in my mind.

So, I believe this is my very first task.
Explore the following concepts:

-information
-architecture
-data
-language
-map

At this moment I would like to add a note about my psychological condition. I am scared and uncomfortable because I do not understand this "information architecture thing". But I love the feeling fear and discomfort. It means I am out of my safe zone... I am emmersed in a brand new subject yet to be explored, and thus, I will fight to feel the satisfaction gaining control of Information Architecture.

I am always trying to place myself in situations where I feel uncomfortable, unsure, and unready. This is how I push myself intellectually, and I love it!