This periodic table is the result of a self-initiated STEM/STEM project. Work is still underway on the content. Colors and typefaces are also being adjusted. I am posting this interim version to get feedback from chemists, teachers, students, or anyone interested. Information for the table was gathered from various reference sources. You may notice some quirks in the data – the numbers shown in this version are still being verified for accuracy, and checked for typographic errors. Also, colors are being refined. I’ll appreciate your thoughts. – Dan Formosa
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Designing a periodic table

Chemistry is amazing. It should be represented that way. I undertook this project as a STEM/STEAM initiative after studying several antique periodic tables. Those older versions were colorful, incorporating informative graphics that added to the understanding of the elements’ properties and their roles within the table. In comparison current charts simply list the numerical values for various properties of the elements – not very inspiring. Illustrating the properties makes them easier to understand, revealing patterns both horizontally and vertically – many that would otherwise be unnoticed.

This illustrated version stays true to the spirit of the original periodic table, a classic example of information design, which arranged the elements in rows and columns to advance the understanding of chemistry. This new table expands significantly on that idea. It’s intended for universities and high schools, science labs – and any workspace or design studio that can use something interesting on its wall. The size is 42 inches x 58 inches – a large wall chart. It will be printed on durable (chart quality) paper, in five colors plus an aqueous surface coating. A rail along the top and bottom edges will allow it to be easily hung. Printing is scheduled to take place in the fall of 2019.

Legend

Every cell in the table follows a similar format, showing more than twenty properties for each element. Information is displayed in levels, visually de-cluttering each cell. The symbol and number, as well as the element’s name, are readable at the furthest distances. As you get closer more and more information becomes readable. The illustrations take precedence, graphically communicating the properties. Numeric values support the illustrations.

Closeup

Here’s a closer view of some of the cells.

Background of the project

Dmitri Mendeleev’s original version of the periodic table, created in 1869, was an early, classic example of information design – graphically displaying information to enhance understanding. He arranged known elements at the time into rows and columns according to their properties, revealing similarities and differences. Gaps in his original table identified elements that were yet to be discovered, although their properties were able to be predicted.

Current versions of the periodic table display the element’s name, symbol and number, but simply list numerical values for a limited number of properties. Chemistry is more interesting than that, and should be presented in more interesting ways. Expanding on Mendeleev’s example, and using the best practices in information design, I wanted to create a version of the table in which many properties of the elements are displayed and illustrated. The design therefore provides not just the numerical data but visualizations the data. At its basic level, it makes apparent the reasoning behind the horizontal and vertical groupings. It visualizes properties such as electron configurations, melting and boiling points, molar volumes and more, for easy comprehension.

How to get one

It’s not ready yet. At this point I am looking for feedback on the design. You can send thoughts, comments and questions here. But if interested in getting one, please stay in touch. My plan is to fund this project through a Kickstarter campaign. As that’s being readied, you can stay up to date by following the Instagram, Twitter or Facebook links, above left, or send me email and I will let you know when the campaign launches. Also, if you know anyone else who may be interested, please forward her or him a link to this page, or to the Twitter or Facebook links.

Thank you

Dan Formosa, Ph.D.