Data + Design Project

The Deadliest Disease Outbreaks Visualized

Wednesday 08.24.2011 , Posted by

If we were to look up into the branches of our ancient family tree, many of us would see limbs from our past that ended prematurely in the huge pandemics which have swept the world. In my tree for example, two relatives on oposite American coasts died of Spanish Flu in the same year.

Created in a collaboration between GOOD and Column Five, this graphic details the ten deadliest pandemics both past and present, with a key explaining normal symptoms, estimated death tolls and the years they ravaged the world. If that sounds bleak, just make sure you notice how many of these global crisis’ have been cured in just the last century. What cures will the future hold? [Read more...]

The First X-Ray Technician: 4 Weird Facts About X-Ray Inventor Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen

Friday 08.19.2011 , Posted by

Just like all great things in this world (peanut butter, low foam beer, the hands-allowed lap dance), they all have one thing in common: they came from someone equally great. However, it isn’t always the smartest or the most educated mind to create the technological advances that we hold dear and take for granted every single day. For instance, the world’s first x-ray technician and inventor may have given the medical industry the greatest single invention since the pre-existing condition, but he also had a bizarre life that could make him eligible for a mental health tax reduction. [Read more...]

Minimalist Timelines of Famous Figures

Thursday 08.18.2011 , Posted by

The comic timing is absolutely brilliant on these timeline histories from design house H-57. Looking for how Marie Antoinette met her demise or the unfortunate early end to the legendary Bruce Lee? They’re here in minimal yet revealing detail. Find more at h-57.com or see our previous post on their typography Star Wars characters. [Read more...]

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How Language Transformed Humanity

Thursday 08.04.2011 , Posted by

In this captivating TED talk, biologist Mark Pagel expounds on his very intriguing theory of how and why the human species developed such a complex system of language, furthering and setting us apart from the other inhabitants of the planet. He then looks at the future of communication, asking why the worlds 7000-8000 languages came into existence and wonders at what will become of them in our ever more communicative and global world. [Read more...]

The Internet in 1995 on MTV News

Sunday 07.31.2011 , Posted by

You don’t have to be that old to remember the days before Youtube, when streaming video was only 240 x 120 pixels and an exceptionally slow one frame a second. We’ve come a long way as this clip from a 1995 airing of MTV News shows. Featuring interviews from some still very relevant celebs like Sandra Bullock and Ozzy Osbourne, can you believe some people in 1995 still thought the internet was ‘just a fad’? [Read more...]

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Disney Princesses In Accurate Period Costume

Monday 07.25.2011 , Posted by

Most of the world seems familiar with the famous Disney princesses, from Snow White to Pocahontas their likenesses are burned into our memory, fan or not. What makes them so iconic? Many would argue it was their lavish and flowing costumes, based on historical fashion. But just how correct are those period fashionable dresses? Claire Hummel, an illustrator with a passion for historically accurate costuming recently reworked many of the famous ladies, giving them new garb fitting a stylish member of their periods society. As you can see in her version of Snow White above (based on early 16th century Germany), many of the original Disney costumes weren’t far off, while a few are vastly different. [Read more...]

The History Of English In 10 Minutes

Thursday 07.07.2011 , Posted by

Did you know that Shakespeare alone contributed more than 2000 new words to the English language? How about that the words cow, sheep and swine, come from English farmers while their culinary versions, beef, mutton and pork, come from French? With its many borrowed and newly invented words, the English language is one that continues to adapt to a changing world. This witty 10 minute animation (in 10 parts) looks at some of the diverse history surrounding the popular language. [Read more...]

Interactive: 30 Years of the Space Shuttle

Tuesday 07.05.2011 , Posted by

After an honorable 30 years of exploration and innovation, the space shuttle program is sadly rolling to a close. With a program ending final launch by the shuttle Atlantis just days away, The New York Times has put together an information rich, interactive infographic detailing the history of each and every one of the 135 missions made by the behemoth spacecraft. Bid the program a fond farewell by taking a closer look on nytimes.com, then catch the final launch on July 8th at NASA.gov. [Read more...]

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The Visual Language Of Herbert Matter

Friday 06.24.2011 , Posted by

Herbert Matter is known in the design world as a designer’s designer. The Visual Language Of Herbert Matter is a fascinating look at the life story of a highly influential mid-century modern design master. Swiss born, Herbert Matter revolutionized the design world by augmenting photography as a design tool. His relationship with using the camera as art never stopped, and bringing the scope of fine art into the arena of applied arts changed the game forever. [Read more...]

#killswitch: A Documentary About the Free Internet

Wednesday 06.15.2011 , Posted by

From historic uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East to the Telecom mergers in the States, 2011 has already proven to be a pretty tumultuous year for the Internet… and we’ve still got 6 months to go.

Enter the new documentary #killswitch. The filmmakers at Akorn Entertainment aim to make the case that a free and open Internet is essential for democracy and they launched a kickstarter.com campaign to prove it. Topics of the film include: the special relationship between Internet Service Providers and the United States Government; media consolidation; Julian Assange and WikiLeaks; and the revolving door between governments and big media. [Read more...]

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