Edward Tufte and Information Design for the Web

© 2011 NATHAN HUENING 12 March 2011 Chapel Hill, NCsprockethouse.com

Edward Tufte &Information DesignFor the Web

Dilbert Another Day in Cubicle Paradise

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The fundamental task of the information architect is to make the information understandable. The goal is to clarify.

Richard Saul Wurman Digerati

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The Visual Display of Quantitative Information

Insights into graphical design are to be gained, I believe, from theories of what makes for excellence in art, architecture, and prose.


Information design principles

Application to Web design

Outline


Graphics reveal data

To clarify, add detail

Small multiples invite comparisons

“Smallest effective difference”

Above all else, show the data

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Tufte’s Information Design Principles



Principle 1

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Visual Display of Quantitative Information

Often the most effective way to describe, explore, and summarize a set of numbers... is to look at pictures of those numbers.

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Visual Display of Quantitative Information 96

Every bit of ink on a graphic requires a reason. And nearly always that reason should be that the ink presents new information.



Principle 2

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Information-sensitive designs are exacting and laborious, requiring a deep appreciation of the particular content at hand.

Visual Explanations 148



Principle 3

Tufte iPhone Video:

http://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00036T







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Multiple images reveal repetition and change, pattern and surprise—the defining elements in the idea of information.



The “smallest effective difference”

Principle 4

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Now what can be eliminated?

Frank Lloyd Wright


Above all else,show the data

Principle 5

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It is all right to decorate construction, but never construct decoration.

Robert Venturi Learning from Las Vegas





“Smallest effective difference”

Above all else, show the data

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Tufte’s Information Design Principles


Design reveals content


Design from the inside, out

Smallest effective difference

Above all else, show the content

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Application to Web Design

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Andy Rutledge A List Apart

Design is largely an exercise in creating or suggesting contrasts ... in an effort to convey meaning.


Design

Application 1

reveals data


Contrast

Application 1a

reveals data


Contrast

Application 1b

reveals information

Andy Rutledge A List Apart

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Information consists of differences that make a difference.

Envisioning Information 65

1 23 4

5 6



Application 2

List your bits

Figure out which bits relate

Assign priorities

Design each bit

Assemble bits

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37Signals An Introduction to Using Patterns in Web Design

Scan annotatedcontent invent.


Employ the smallest effective difference

Application 3

tutorial9.net

tutorial9.net

Dan Cederholm simplebits.com

Doug Bowman stopdesign.com

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I’ve never liked the adage Less is more... I say Less is better, which is neither cute nor clever, but almost always true.

John Gruber Independent Days



Application 4

Warren Parsons Photo

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Copywriting is interface design. Great interfaces are written. ... Good writing is good design.

37Signals Getting Real


Above all else,show the content

Application 5

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In an architecture of content, the information becomes the interface.


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Aesthetics matter: attractive things work better.

Donald Norman Interactions Magazine


Design reveals content



Smallest effective difference

Above all else, show the content

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2

3

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Applications to Web Design

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‘Make it look good!’ That’s not what we think design is. It’s not just what it looks and feels like. Design is how it works.

Steve Jobs NYTimes Magazine


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