Form
We are entering an age of unprecedented information proliferation. Due to digitalization and globalization, the amount of accessible information is increasing exponentially. Due to specialization and refined observational and analytical techniques, the complexity of this accessible information is also increasing drastically. For anyone of average time, ability, or educational background, consuming this information is a daunting task. Since knowledge acquisition and application is our species' forte and distinguishing feature, any limitation to information consumption translates to a decrease in personal freedom and an increase in dependency on those who control knowledge acquisition and application: currently corporations and governments. The information graphic medium addresses both these new limitations on knowledge consumption by reducing the quantity through condensation and reducing the complexity through distillation into a more digestible medium: the visual.
Content
The sugar industry in the United States is an easily vilified target. Due to its unpopularity, open source information about this industry abounds. This wealth of information is easily represented visually. Since sugar is a consumable, perishable agricultural product, studying it not only involves commercial and political aspects (as is the case with every industry), but also environmental and health aspects, making for a more multifaceted understanding. Lastly, sugar is readily demonstrated to be an excessive luxury in society, since it only provides us with sensational pleasure, instead of serving a utilizable function.
We are entering an age of unprecedented information proliferation. Due to digitalization and globalization, the amount of accessible information is increasing exponentially. Due to specialization and refined observational and analytical techniques, the complexity of this accessible information is also increasing drastically. For anyone of average time, ability, or educational background, consuming this information is a daunting task. Since knowledge acquisition and application is our species' forte and distinguishing feature, any limitation to information consumption translates to a decrease in personal freedom and an increase in dependency on those who control knowledge acquisition and application: currently corporations and governments. The information graphic medium addresses both these new limitations on knowledge consumption by reducing the quantity through condensation and reducing the complexity through distillation into a more digestible medium: the visual.
Content
The sugar industry in the United States is an easily vilified target. Due to its unpopularity, open source information about this industry abounds. This wealth of information is easily represented visually. Since sugar is a consumable, perishable agricultural product, studying it not only involves commercial and political aspects (as is the case with every industry), but also environmental and health aspects, making for a more multifaceted understanding. Lastly, sugar is readily demonstrated to be an excessive luxury in society, since it only provides us with sensational pleasure, instead of serving a utilizable function.