W Tufte Chapter 1

(I have been really sick the past few days and I missed class and this assignment, but I wanted to take time to complete the reading so that I am caught up.)

Simplicity

The most important concepts discussed in chapter one was about the rule of simplicity. Many information design grahpics can be highly complex, this prevents the viewer from being able to clearly identify the message. If the creator can create a graphic that is simple with an easily identifiable subject then the viewer can distinguish the concepts being presented. Clutter is a problem that we come in conflict with every day but by envisioning a single topic that is simple we can learn more efficiently.

9 Strategies to get around using 2-D mediums.

As much as I enjoyed learning about Chartjunk Ducks, and Mob Bosses walking free, I think the more fundamental ideas presented in this chapter are the primary strategies used to envision a 3-D task from a 2-D medium.
To escape this flatland we primarily used 9 strategies:

Envisioning Information Ch. 1

One of the most important points Tufte makes is that clarity and simplicity do not mean a lack of knowledge, "simple-mindedness" as he puts it. The audience often knows more than the creator of the graph/structure/etc. thinks and therefore, "chartjunk" and cosmetic decoration will not be beneficial. They will only obscure the data. Straightforward information is better.

Tufte Response

I think the most important topic discussed in this chapter is the "small multiples" (p. 30). I think its important because different size text, pictures, bylines, and other important information can be organized in a way that is logical and eye catching. These varying sizes and organization are often used in magazines or newspapers. They can also be used in books to identify different chapters or topics within the chapter.

Tufte Chapter 1

I found that the small multiple display is was one of the more important things in chapter one. You can use small multiple displays to compare charts and data. The air portion display is and example on page (28). It is a good example of how numbers can be arranged on a plane surface and can be easily understood at the by the person reading the chart. The chart uses same design structure that is repeated for all the levels and images in the chart.

Tufte Ch.1

I found that the small multiple was one of the most important concepts that Tufte discussed. Small multiple is a display that uses the same design structure through out the graphic. Being consistent helps reduce confusion. If one thing represented many things then it would be difficult to comprehend what information the graphic is displaying. Also, if there is consistency throughout then it would be easier to notice changes.

The Duck

I was really interested in what Tufte had to say regarding "duck" design having just finished his article for MAPC orals. I was very intrigued by the idea that graphics shouldn't be flat but should reflect our 3-denominational world. However, Tufte explains that there are a limits, or "ducks" that place ornamentation above information.

Gaudy Isn't Good

I found that the most helpful part of this chapter was the explanation of simplicity and clarity. While it may seem obvious, I've always been told throughout my years in school that after completing a chart or graph I should strive to make it look nice, and that cluttered information is a bad thing. This book kind of redefined that for me, as it showed me information graphics that I would tell you are horrible.

Ch 1 Tufte

I believe the most important concept mentioned in Ch. 1 is the idea of tabular arrays of numbers (data entries). The viewer is able to absorb a lot of information in a straight forward and easy way. The best example they give is the Law School aptitude test percentile. It shows GPA and LSAT scores. This type of information display is still used frequently. I saw it used a lot when I was applying to college. The graphs would show me the average GPA range, and the acceptance percentage to a particular college. It was very helpful and interesting to see.

envisioning information