Monday, September 12, 2011

How to Lie with Maps

This article lends insight to how maps can be used as a powerful tool of persuasion. While I disagree with the theory behind “tricking” people into seeing what we want them to see; I can also understand the benefits when trying to get a project passed. However, the article states that these practices should be avoided if you are a moral designer. But, where should that distinction be drawn? I can understand the deletion of a few dumpsters and trash in parking lots; but altering a site plan to highlight the benefits of a proposed mall while downplaying the negative effects on the neighboring subdivision, is something I’m sure with which the residents of that neighborhood would take issue.

1 comment:

jboan said...

This is something about deliberately deceiving a client that makes my skin crawl. I can understand highlighting certain aspects and diminishing others as a way to focus a clients attention on a certain aspect, but to purposefully lie (to the benefit of oneself and the detriment of the client) is borderline illegal. And as the OP stated, where do we draw the line when it comes to deceptive design?