Topic 1 Form Analysis

• Why this form? What are its features (stylistic, experiential)

Here are some pictures that inspired me. The form I chose is a map. One of the features of a map is that it presents information both on the macro scare and on the micro scale. Since I’m focusing on the economic influences of plantation both worldwide and locally, a map is a suitable form for me to show it.

• How is this form typically used, and what do you plan to subvert/imitate/utilize?

For example, an amusement park map shows you the entire park, you can get a general idea by a quick glance. You can see the big rides, the roads connecting different places. And if you look closer, you can find more detailed information like the location of bathrooms. And for electronic maps, you can get more detailed information by clicking on different places. So I think I’ll also try to make an interactive map. You can see the world market trading system in the big picture. And when you click on specific countries, information of local economy will pop up, providing the micro view.

• What would change if you tried a different form? What critical lens does the form you’re applying emphasize?

If I try a different form, the display of information would change. For example, drawing lines between different countries is the most direct and obvious way to show the trading relationship between countries. If I use another form, like a chart or diagram, the data visualization would be less obvious and hard to understand.

• Is there a metaphor well-suited to your form (i.e. cooking with code)? Or, are there other metaphors you might employ?

One metaphor that suits the form I choose is that trading is a web that covers the world. There are nodes on the web, and the nodes are connected by lines. And within each nodes, there are more information for us to discover. And if you change one node, you will influence the entire web.