What?
We are transforming MAP from a printed publication to a dynamic web-based publication to enable more timely updating and easier access to the data. This will change the look of MAP on the ABS web site, include improved navigation around the product, allow information previously only available in the printed publication to be displayed and present more dynamic graphs.
Why?
ABS aims to raise the profile of the product, improve navigation around the product and present data in an easy to understand format. This design will also eliminate the need for a large PDF.
When?
The next release of MAP (2010) will be based on the new design.
#1: John
Generally a good bit of layout. Simple generally always better than complex in design. Is there any chance there could be a function that allows the reader/viewer to filter down to other levels of geography below all Australia (especially State or SSD level). For many of us, the diversity of progress within Australia (and the inequlaity that implies) is more of a concern than the overall average progress.
#2: Gai
Great improvements. A couple of points though:
1. Using blue and yellow on graphs is not good (for colour blind or for printing in black and white); See Alan Smith's presentation from 13 May
2. I too don't like using the % symbol to get to the data; makes implications that can be confusing for readers;
3. I think the picture of the 2 adults and 2 children in white looks very cliched and doesn't really add to the message of what MAP is or how important the data MAP presents is.
#3: perception
would prefer to have 8 big box with hyperlinks if each one of them are equally imporant my reason for the suggestion is because initially i thought the summary belongs to "Individual", feature articles is under "economy".
#4: Anita
When I click on 'Click here to view the MAP prototype.' on this page, the forward on the page that opens up is in a different language and the rest of the web page is in English.
{ Link }
Designer Response:
Hi Anita
The Latin text on the MAP prototype is filler text, used by web designers to encourage clients to look at the design rather than concentrating on the content itself.
~ Julia
#5: Naked Data
What would be highly useful (a sound move towards the Semantic Web 3.0) is to make the data sources available as web services to mash up the data into other applications.
{ Link }
#6: Michael
Looks good but one thing is driving me nuts. The MAP Data button uses a % symbol. This is confusing at best when the words "MAP data" appears on the button along with the symbol but meaningless when the smaller button uses the symbol alone. I realise the interest in using a symbol but unless you can come up with a much more intuitive symbol then I would urge you to stick to the text. However the text also presents some problem; MAP in this context is unfortunate because many users would think this will take them to a map (thematic data).
#7: Craig
This is a brilliant move.
How will the information (inc charts) be exportable for reuse?
Cheers,
Craig