We project a winner

Posted on November 7, 2006 by Gene

Yes, I’m a designer. So when I watch the election returns, I am really watching their presentation — how they use set design and graphics to impart information.
Frankly, I’m underwhelmed at the graphics on the big three networks. NBC is not giving us any graphics, they’re just talking. Nothing on the screen to tell us what is going on. CBS is giving us a mish mash of translucent swirlyness that gives me a headache. ABC is giving us that “Web 2.0″ shiny 3D treatment, really too glitzy.
So, I’m going to go ahead and project that CNN is tonight’s winner with understated, flat, non-shiny, easy-to-understand graphics. I especially like their “balance of power” graphic, a narrow bar constantly on the screen showing the current split in the House and Senate. A quick glance shows which side of the aisle is moving toward a majority. Simple, informative, and well done CNN!