I’m always amazed by how good graphic designers have become at explaining information. Since design has leapt into the 3rd dimension, so has the elaborate art of infographics. We’ve seen it with Johannes Tsopanides’ InfObjects in a previous article. We’ve seen it with 3D printed bracelets that are made from stock market data. What’s next? Have a look.
Meshu map data magnificence
While I’d prefer a locket visualizing the air-speed velocity data of an unladen Swallow, a visual of my own travels is more realistic. Fabulous visuals of map data is exactly what design firm Meshu is developing. Sha Hwuang and Rachel Binx have created a unique online app that takes the various waypoints of your trip and connects them into a web via a cool mathematical function using Delaunay Triangulation.
Your last backpacking trip through Shangri-la via Pittsburgh won’t just be a topic of conversation, but a thing to be admired visually as well. I’m not just talking pictures either. Unfortunately, you’ll have to trust that people can properly imagine cities, topography and distances as you explain the lines and waypoints. I’d love to bust out a pair of earrings at Everest base camp showing my recent excursion up the side of K2. You?
You can select cities, pick points or link your Foursquare account to Meshu to create a visual representation of where you’ve been. The patterns are then cut from acrylic or wood, or 3D printed from nylon or silver, your choice. Perhaps some earrings could be the newest in obscure, spy-film plot devices, with handsome Agent #12 uncovers his double-agent lady friend’s recent itinerary doesn’t match her Meshu Earrings.
