Layering and Separation

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The phrase "layering and separation" is applicable to images specifically, because the colors of images need to be layered and separated in order for the image or design to be effective. In the example of the images of the figure doing the marshalling signals, the lights are bright orange, whereas the person is gray, which creates two different layers, helping the lights to stand out from the man. The color distinction also separates the man from the lights, as well. "Layering and separating" essential describes the way that certain parts of images stand out from other parts of the same image. Color, shape, and design are crucial for the layering and separation to occur. The following quote outlines the importance of layering:

"An omnipresent, yet subtle, design issue is involved: the various elements collected together on flatland interact, creating non-information patterns and texture simply through their combined presence" (Tufte 53).

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"Simply through their

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"Simply through their combined presence,"--I really like the way he puts it. This sort of touches on the point I am, and other students are, making. It plays with the 1+1=3 idea that whenever you have an image, the separation of it from other objects or information or images actually creates a separate image in that blank space. With two things, there are actually 3 images, sort of.

Marshalling Signals

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I agree that the marshalling signals example was much improved when layers were added through various color changes. I especially like how the hundreds of tiny hash marks used to demonstrate that the lights were illuminated were removed and replaced with a colored light. Too many times I think people assume that black and white is the way to go, but when we have color to use and the technology to do so affordably, we ought to take the extra effort to design it so that people will better understand the graphic.