For this project, I chose to represent data based on the total population of smokers per province in Canada and how that correlates to the number of deaths from lung cancer. Since both sets of data had to do with lungs, I chose to use that organ as the main part of the design and place the provinces floating inside them. I used colour to represent the number of deaths from lung cancer by having darker reds symbolize a high death rate and pale yellows to show lower ones. I also placed the provinces with a higher percentage of smokers higher in the lungs and vice versa for lower ones. This initial idea went through a lot of changes and critiques as my main plan didn’t end up working out. I had to think through my problems to find clever solutions and persevered through a lot of frustration and self-doubt. But this turned out worth it in the end as I have a project I’m proud of.

Core Competency Reflection

I used critical thinking throughout this project. I can experiment with different ways of doing things. I had to do a lot of experimenting to make my vision for this assignment work. I knew very clearly that I wanted to have provinces floating in transparent lungs to symbolize my data, but I wasn’t as sure on how to create it. I started with pipe cleaners, plastic wrap, and an attempt at 3d printing provinces. All of these had problems and I decided to look for alternatives that were less finicky. This time, I tried making the lungs with wire, cut up ziplock bags, and cardboard provinces. The wire was slimmer and attached to the ziplock bags better while the provinces took less time and were less hassle. By critically thinking through my idea, I was able to make changes that improved the design and allowed for my vision to come into fruition. 

I can monitor my progress and adjust my actions to make sure I achieve what I want. Due to the fact my project went through several changes, including two different prototypes, it took a lot longer than I expected. As a result, I had to make sure I didn’t fall behind and could finish within the timeframe. I broke up the work needed to be done in chunks and planned which days I would complete each chunk. I made sure to overestimate the timeframes and leave additional time for any mistakes or changes I might need to make. This careful monitoring helped keep me from procrastinating or having to rush the project a few days before it was due.