Tufte ch. 3

Tufte's best example of layering and separation is the comparison of maps on pg. 58.

He explains that when elements of a map/representation/etc are "at the same visual level with equal values, equal texture, equal color, and even nearly equal shape"...."an undifferentiated, unlayered surface results."

This quote demonstrates the results of a lack of layering and separation. Differentiation is necessary to avoid jumbling information and causing the message to disappear among the clutter.

Layering and Seperation

Visual activation of negative areas of white spaces... that illustrates the endlessly contextual and interactive nature of visual elements (pg. 61). Tufte is talking about the two step logic of 1+1=3 and how if you draw two black lines then you get a third image of the white space in the middle. I think Tufte means that creating paths and forming shapes can be made with using lines because of the white space in the middle.

Layering

As Tufte explains, the "layering of data, often achieved by felicitous subtraction of weight, enhances representation of both data dimensionality and density on flatland" (60). I interpret this to mean that layering both adds and subtracts. Layering adds dimensionality to data that is otherwise dull, thus making the info more appealing to the reader. Layering subtracts from the heaviness of data, which makes the information less exhausting to read. It all comes down to how the info is organized.

Tufts Layering

The main point of Tufte’s strategy for layering information is about connecting the details by bringing different dimensions to create an effective web design. Tuft describes layering as "felicitous subtraction of weight, enhances representation of both data dimensionality and density on flatland (59).” Through layers, information graphics can come to life enhancing its form of communication to the user.

Layering

To combine a couple sentences on page 60, I would define layering as:
usually achieved by a hierarchy of visual effects, enhances representation of both data dimensionality and density on flatland

In Tufte's examples, layering is usually portrayed through the use of color to distinguish different aspects of the graphic such as with the industrial diagram..

Layering and Separation

Tufte describes the effectiveness of layering and separation. With designers using different elements such as colors, lines, and symbols it helps enhance what needs to be drawn out and what doesn't. On page 56 Tufte includes a map in his reading. The map in the picture is not overwhelming or creating to much noise (which is something Tufte emphasis while describing the rules and effectiveness in layering and separation. Things such as included road maps had to be clear, simple, and concise because that was how a person got from point A to point B.

Layering and Separation

Ultimately, layering and separation, when used in the right circumstances, create an effective design. Layering and separation help minimize and eliminate messy and undecipherable information. Layering especially helps reduce clutter and improves data visually. On page 60, Tufte says that the "layering of data, often achieved by felicitous subtraction of weight, enhances representation of both data dimensionality and density on flatland." So by layering, one can reduce the amount of "weight" and that makes the data visually appealing and easier to read.

Layering and Separation

I think the layering part of the chapter is very well represented by the chart on p. 55 with the different color separating the different train routes. I also like the map on a later page as an example because it brought to mind the map books that I used to see in my parents' car before GPS devices and smart phones made navigation almost effortless. I think the author was trying to bring attention to the fact that information designers consciously decide to make certain things about maps, charts, graphs, infographics, etc.

Tufte Chapter 3 Response Layering and Separation

On page 53 Tufte introduces the topic saying that to avoid confusion and clutter separation and layering reduce noise and enriche content of displays. These design devices are used to distinguish various aspects of the data so that they don't become noise and clutter.

"Layering of data, often achieved by felicitous subtraction of weight, enhances representation of both data dimensionality and density on flatland."

Tufte shoes that signal to noise ratio is critical to reduce viewer fatigue(pg 62) and improve accuracy of readings.

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