Exercise 3: Draft Two — Applied Critique

After the critique I received in this mornings class, I made some changes. In my previous post I identified what these critiques were;

1. Creating a shorter title OR developing a short tag line of some sort — In the first draft of the poster, the poster was titled “Increasing Hydroelectric Dams In Ontario”. For the second draft of the poster I changed it to “Hydroelectric Dams In Ontario”, and although I only eliminated one word, I rearranged and shifted colours. In the poster below you can see that I’ve changed the colour of “Hydro” to blue, “Electric” to yellow, “Dam In” to Grey, and “Ontario” stayed black. The words have also changed in size to create a hierarchy within the text. By making these changes I believe I have solved the issues surrounding the title. 

2. Shorten text boxes to single sentences (and present them in bullet form) — In the new version of the poster I’ve shortened each blurb of text. I feel this was a sufficient way to address the issues of the long text. Now the poster isn’t as text heavy, but it still provides the same amount of information. 

3. Avoid using centre alignment for the text, align with straight edges, and do not put single words on their own line — Along with the above issue, I shortened the text and was able to work with their structure more creatively. 

4. I will also be experimenting with the red colour generator and turbine, the red is a bit harsh compared to the other colours — I changed the colour of the turbine and generator section to a blue/teal. This works much better as the tone is closer to the colours around it, it also solves the issue of the harshness of the red. 

5. Finally, I want to experiment with applying outlines to each of the shapes — I added a slightly darker shade of grey to border the dam, which makes it stand out more against the green land. I left no border on the land, but I am still contemplating to add a slightly darker shade of green around as a border. 

Exercise 3: Rough Draft Critique

For the final assignment, we were responsible for finding a partner and creating visually persuasive posters that argued one side of an assigned debate topic. For this project I was working with Eric Forrest, and out topic was whether or not to increase the amount of hydroelectric dams in Ontario. I was arguing for an increase, and Eric was arguing against. My previous post outlines the concepts that would be explored, and the argument points for each side of the debate. While approaching this project, I developed the objective to create a poster that was not only visually appealing, but one that would also be informative. I envisioned my final product being placed in areas where it would be visible to the public eye, such as public libraries, community centres, civic centres, schools, etc. For the first draft of the poster I came up with the following poster; 

 

 

 

 

After the class critique I was able to determine certain changes that I would like to make to the final product. Some of the changes that I would like to make are:

• Creating a shorter title OR developing a short tag line of some sort 
• Shorten text boxes to single sentences (and present them in bullet form)
• Avoid using centre alignment for the text, align with straight edges, and do not put single words on their own line
• I will also be experimenting with the red colour generator and turbine, the red is a bit harsh compared to the other colours 
• Finally, I want to experiment with applying outlines to each of the shapes 

Increasing Hydroelectric Dams in Ontario Mind Map

Exercise Three (Part A): Debate Argument Research

Increasing the amount of hydroelectric dams in Ontario

For: Alex

The scope of the issue is whether or not to increase the number of hydroelectric dams in Ontario. Before beginning on the topic specifically, the topic will be introduced in greater detail. Hydropower is electrical energy obtained from a source of falling or running water, in which the pressure created by the water is used to turn the blades of a large turbine, these turbines are connected to a generator that converts the mechanical energy into useable electricity (Pembina Institute, 2014). Hydroelectricity is an important topic among todays society due to climate change and rapid population growth. Both of these factors are major contributors to the research of new clean energy projects. The demand for electricity in Ontario will only continue to rise with the population growth and development of new communities (Canada Energy, 2014).

The issue of whether or not to increase the amount of hydroelectric dams in Ontario is met with both positive and negative results. Those involved in the issue include both major and small energy companies, environmental groups, large cities, remote communities, wild life inhabitants, and various others but those being the major players of each side (or source of argument). Some benefits of hydroelectric energy is that it is a renewable energy source that we can utilize rather than other more dangerous sources, leading to another benefit, that being hydroelectric energy is a green option. It is also a very reliable and flexible source of energy as changing conditions can be addressed and still made into opportunity. Finally, it is a safe form of energy as it does not produce chemicals, pollution, and especially when compared to other sources such as fossil fuels (Maehlum, 2014). Even with all of these benefits, there are some challenges faced when utilizing hydroelectric energy. Such as the expense of constructing the dams, limited amount of suitable reservoirs, possible droughts, and ultimately the environmental consequences (Maehlum, 2014).

Hydroelectric energy is a proven technology, and hydroelectric stations have a long life. This form of energy has become increasingly more demanding as climate change continues to affect the planet. New forms of clean and renewable energy are desired, and hydroelectricity can be that solution. In 2004, Canada was the top hydropower producer in the world (12% of world production). British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec generate more than 75% of their power through hydro-electricity. (Pembina Institute, 2014). This is why I believe that Ontario should increase the amount of hydroelectric dams being constructed in order to become a front runner on the clean energy front.

Against: Eric

Although there are many pro’s to hydroelectric dams, there are also many cons. Dam’s are incredibly dangerous for those who interact with the waters close to hydroelectric dams and stations. A spot that looks calm and safe one moment can become dangerous within a few seconds as water levels and flows change, often without warning – caused by changing levels of demand for electricity throughout the day. This poses problems for people interacting with the nearby water, as it is sometimes not even clear that a dam is present. Rapids and flooding pose a danger for people partaking in activities including but not limited to fishing, boating, swimming, camping, snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

Not only are dam’s dangerous for people but they are also harmful to the environment. Studies have shown that large dams increase the potential for earthquakes as the storage of large quantities of water puts strain on the rock below, especially if it is on a fault line. Not only does the storage of water increase the chance of earthquakes but when the water seeps into the soil it causes instability in the soil which can trigger landslides. The wildlife in the waters where dams are built often take a significant hit as well. The addition of a dam on a river can lead to inadequate passage for fish to travel downstream and often does not allow for return migration.  A series of dams can seriously impact the wildlife and help to reduce survival.

Sources:

“Atlantic Salmon Federation – Dams and Fish Passage.” Atlantic Salmon Federation – Dams and Fish Passage. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.asf.ca/dams-and-fish-passage.html>.

“Dams and development.” Panos London. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://panos.org.uk/resources/dams-and-development/#cons-of-dam-building>.

“Energy Source: Hydropower | Renewable Energy & Efficiency | Pembina Institute.” Energy Source: Hydropower | Renewable Energy & Efficiency | Pembina Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.pembina.org/re/sources/hydro-power>.

“Hydroelectric Dams.” & Stations are NOT Safe Places for Recreation. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.boaterexam.com/canada/education/hydroelectricdams-en.aspx>.

“Hydroelectric Energy Pros and Cons.”Energy Informative. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. <http://energyinformative.org/hydroelectric-energy-pros-and-cons/>.

“Ontario’s Electricity Future .” Canada Energy . N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.canadaenergy.ca/index.php?hydro=future&direct=of&electricity=electricity>

Personal Process Map: The Working Mind

   For Exercise Two we were given the task to create a personal process map of a daily process in our everyday lives. For my map I decided to create a mind map of thoughts that run through my head during a workout at the gym. Although my ‘map’ does not have a particular sense of direction, the thoughts in each section of the work represents various stages of a workout. All the words representing thoughts in the heart shape are reasons, inspirations, and thoughts that I experience before a workout. The thoughts that compose the shape of the weights are all ones that I experience during or after a successful workout. Some of the words are large, more bold or noticeable then others. In some cases the reasoning for this is to create a hierarchy of the words, but also at times a visual representation of the words meaning. But all of these thoughts have meaning and provide inspiration throughout a workout. 

    The reason I decided to create a process map based on a workout is because it is something I am passionate about and has changed my life. Working out has provided me with not only a way to get in shape and stay healthy, but also a method of stress release, a way to compete, and overall a way to improve myself. By sharing some of the reasons to why I workout and the thoughts I experience during it may inspire or motivate someone else to push themselves. And if not, I simply hope that people can enjoy the visual representation and use of typography.