Visuals for influence: in project management and beyond

Reviewed by Suanne Barthol, Assistant Professor, Metropolitan State University on 2/27/24

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The book is very thorough, beginning with the theory of visualization and some basic design concepts. There are also templates available for download which can be customized and used immediately.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

No errors identified.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The book contains multiple reference points about how software is continuing to evolve in this area. These links could be easily updated in the future. However, the concept of organizing the layout, the colors, and developing the message that you want to ensure that you are communicating has lasting value. The author has provided visuals using the same content and showing how design and display can enhance or distract from the messaging.

Clarity rating: 5

Concise with supporting links for additional information within the text and at the end of each section with the chapter summary and additional recommended reading. Sections have enough depth of material, but are not to the point of being overwhelming by introducing too many concepts.

Consistency rating: 5

Very well organized and the pattern is followed throughout the text. Videos are also often incorporated into the sections.

Modularity rating: 5

Sections are clearly identified and it was easy to navigate between the sections.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The structure was great. If you wanted the theory behind some of the concepts, that was provided. A user could easily navigate and use each of the sections independently of one another.

Interface rating: 5

No issues identified.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

No issues identified.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The author had some reference points on design principals in different cultures. There was a great chart on cultural perspectives for colors that are used in design and how they might be interpreted by a multicultural audience.

Comments

Overall, I thought this was a well-written and concise book that could be used to provide the background on visualization. The customizable templates are also a bonus feature!

Reviewed by Jeremy Roberts, Professor of Practice, West Virginia University on 4/8/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The OER covers the subject extensively and appropriately. However, it does not provide an index or glossary to find specific concepts.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I did not find any inaccurate or biased information in this OER.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The information offered in this OER will last for an extended time before needing a major update.

Clarity rating: 5

Thinking from an undergraduate student perspective, I found this OER to be an easy read and often enjoyable because it did not over complicate the concepts. The visuals (pictures and videos) complimented the materials nicely as well.

Consistency rating: 5

This OER is consistent throughout.

Modularity rating: 5

This OER can be easily broken down into modules or weekly readings for an academic course. The author also provides recommended readings which add value to the learning process.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

I found the OER to be well organized and I would not recommend any changes at this time.

Interface rating: 5

The OER is free of interface issues. I particularly enjoyed the use of HTML5 content.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The OER contained no grammatical errors that stood out.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The OER is not culturally insensitive or offensive.

Comments

Our world is depending more and more on visuals to convey our messages. Project management is no different. Visuals, like the ones discussed and offered as examples in this OER, can simplify complex information into an easy to read format.

Reviewed by April Schofield, Senior Lecturer and Director, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 1/30/22

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

I evaluated this book to incorporate into a specific module in a sales class. It provides all of the information the students would need to develop a professional presentation. It includes the basics and more in-depth information. The concepts in this book will help students develop professional presentations in all of their classes!

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I found the content to be accurate, error-free and unbiased.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

As many presentations occur virtually, content in this subject could be obsolete very quickly. This is not specific to this book or this author, but any virtual/digital content in general.

Clarity rating: 5

I evaluated this book to use for a specific module in a sales class. Although the primary focus of our course isn't visuals, I feel the book avoided technical terminology and could be used in a variety of disciplines.

Consistency rating: 5

Content organization is consistent between chapters.

Modularity rating: 5

I found the book easy to follow. I enjoyed the videos in each chapter - they were relevant and a nice break in the reading. I think my students will also appreciate this.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The concepts are clear and easy to follow. Real-world examples and videos are incorporated throughout.

Interface rating: 5

The table of contents was easy to locate and navigate. All of the videos and other links within the book that I clicked on worked.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

This book does not contain grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The characters depicted in images are "stick figure"-type drawings, so they are not one particular race/ethnicity/background. I do not find this book insensitive or offensive in any way.