Barb, great that the table was helpful. We started off adding detail, and got to a point where it started looking like a over-elaborate instruction manual, which is when we began working on the graphics, to try to make it more intuitive, and open too (graphics are inherently open to more than one interpretation, no?). Would love to hear your reaction to the graphics - we wont be offended if you think they are OTT, clicheic, or just plain dumb - we need to know.
And yes, the creation of the footprint is a reflection of the course, but also of the writer and the process of writing, which is partly describing the event, and partly describing your own position and understanding - just as you say.