The Gantt chart is a mapping application that I’m very
familiar with. There are many software applications out there to help create these
charts. They are used regularly to help create a timeline to assist in project
management.
A Gantt chart is essentially a bar chart laid on its side.
Each bar is a task needed to be accomplished toward the completion of the
project. The tasks are usually grouped together by dependency, basically which
tasks must be completed before others can begin. An example of such a dependence
in the construction field would be that the shell must be erected prior to
electric and plumbing rough-in to begin. Each category can then be further broken
down into particular tasks like: the walls must be built prior to the roof. The
chart helps to spot problems in the timeline if the walls have not been erected
by their deadline, than the roof cannot be built and then the electric rough-in
can’t begin on time.
In addition to displaying the dependence each task can have
on others they also help to show how tasks overlap as well. During a project it
is not uncommon for multiple tasks to be performed simultaneously and the chart
helps all parties involved know when their part is needed to be completed for
the success of the overall project.
Dan Roam describes them on Pg. 111 as " the Gantt chart has stood the test of time as the way to show not where we're going, but how we're going to get there."
A more advanced Gantt Chart.
Hi, Scott! Your blog post was very well thought out and your examples did a good job of supporting your ideas about this design tool. It’s funny, but when I decided to pick up the Back of the Napkin for the second time, Dan Roam made very little reference to this kind of graphing. I went back to evaluate it after reading your post and was kind of disappointed that there were only two pages that contained any content on it. The second page was really just an example of a graph and didn’t go into any detail. This type of timeline graphing can literally be used for the most basic to the most detailed of projects and therefore, makes it a great and user friendly tool. What I also like about it is that most of anyone could put one together in order to have a well laid out and conclusive projected timeframe to refer to. Thanks so much for providing more insight on this tool that definitely did not get as much attention as it deserved in our text! : )
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, i'm glad you enjoyed my explanation. Although Dan Roam only briefly explains what a Gantt chart is on page 111. his creation of a project timeline through chapter 12 is essentially a Gantt timeline.
DeleteI can't seem to edit the above... I used the wrong WordPress name. The above post was left by Deidre Maturo- a.k.a. designingalifeforme@wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteHi Scott,
ReplyDeleteThis was a great post on your blog. The examples you have shown do a great job of portraying the use of Gantt Charts both in a simplistic or elaborate chart (First letter in SQVID). These charts do a great job of outlining multiple sources of information all at once. This is a great asset to any business proposal.
Great Post,
Anthony
Hi Scott, You provided a well thought out explanation of Gantt Charts that was complemented with descriptive visuals to further provide an understanding to the audience.
ReplyDelete