Journal of Viswl Languages and Computing (1992) 3, 319 Book Review Envisioning Information. Edward R. Tufte (1990) Graphics Press, P.O. Box 430, Cheshire, Connecticut 06410, U.S.A., 126 pp. The present volume is the sequel to The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, which catapulted Edward Tufte into national prominence in 1983. Each of these books is ‘light reading’, easily finished in a single evening. Yet each contains many instructive comments and examples on the visual display of information. There is a strong commonality of theme; indeed, a number of examples appear in both volumes. Yet there is sufficient distinct information in each volume to make them both worthwhile additions to a library. Envisioning Information is organized around six specific themes. The first, ‘Escaping Flatland’, explores the methods used to evade the restrictions of a piece of paper and bring added dimensionality into graphical display. The second, ‘Micro/Macro Readings’, discusses the design of graphics that are viewable on two distinct levels, an overall, macroscopic view, and a more detailed microscopic view. The third theme, ‘Layering and Separation’, focuses on confusion and clutter in graphical displays, identifying some factors that increase the confusion of a display and discussing methods of reducing or avoiding this confusion. Included in this is a discussion of the optical illusions formed by interaction of parts of a graphic. ‘Small Multiples’ propounds the concept of multiple variants of an image on the same page (or display screen) to facilitate comparison. As this may involve a reduction in the size of an individual display element, some details can be lost; but Tufte presents a convincing case that comparison of similar data displays is greatly enhanced by this technique. ‘Color and Information’ demonstrates the use of color to enhance the information value of a display-and its misuse to detract from the significant points of a graphic. The use of muted versus strong colors is discussed, and the interaction of colors, changing the viewer’s perception, is demonstrated. Unfortunately, there is just the briefest mention of color deficiencies in vision, and no discussion of how to compensate for them. The final theme of the book is ‘Narratives of Space and Time’. In a discussion ranging from Galileo through railroad timetables to dance notation, Tufte presents the problem of representing spatial and temporal changes simultaneously in a manner that clearly shows their relationship. As in his earlier volume, Tufte draws his examples from around the world, and from both modern and ancient sources. He is careful both to point out what, in his opinion, is good or bad about each example, and to explain why he has come to his conclusions. Many of the examples chosen bear repeated study from different points of view. The book is a delight to have on hand for browsing. More importantly, it contains many useful ideas for improving the quality of graphic displays, whether on paper or on the computer screen. ROBERT R. KORFHAGE University of Pittsburgh 1045-926X/92/030319 + 01 $08.00/O 0 1992 Academic Press Limited

Envisioning information: Edward R. Tufte (1990) Graphics Press, P.O. Box 430, Cheshire, Connecticut 06410, U.S.A., 126 pp

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Page 1: Envisioning information: Edward R. Tufte (1990) Graphics Press, P.O. Box 430, Cheshire, Connecticut 06410, U.S.A., 126 pp

Journal of Viswl Languages and Computing (1992) 3, 319

Book Review

Envisioning Information. Edward R. Tufte (1990) Graphics Press, P.O. Box 430, Cheshire, Connecticut 06410, U.S.A., 126 pp.

The present volume is the sequel to The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, which catapulted Edward Tufte into national prominence in 1983. Each of these books is ‘light reading’, easily finished in a single evening. Yet each contains many instructive comments and examples on the visual display of information. There is a strong commonality of theme; indeed, a number of examples appear in both volumes. Yet there is sufficient distinct information in each volume to make them both worthwhile additions to a library.

Envisioning Information is organized around six specific themes. The first, ‘Escaping Flatland’, explores the methods used to evade the restrictions of a piece of paper and bring added dimensionality into graphical display. The second, ‘Micro/Macro Readings’, discusses the design of graphics that are viewable on two distinct levels, an overall, macroscopic view, and a more detailed microscopic view.

The third theme, ‘Layering and Separation’, focuses on confusion and clutter in graphical displays, identifying some factors that increase the confusion of a display and discussing methods of reducing or avoiding this confusion. Included in this is a discussion of the optical illusions formed by interaction of parts of a graphic.

‘Small Multiples’ propounds the concept of multiple variants of an image on the same page (or display screen) to facilitate comparison. As this may involve a reduction in the size of an individual display element, some details can be lost; but Tufte presents a convincing case that comparison of similar data displays is greatly enhanced by this technique.

‘Color and Information’ demonstrates the use of color to enhance the information value of a display-and its misuse to detract from the significant points of a graphic. The use of muted versus strong colors is discussed, and the interaction of colors, changing the viewer’s perception, is demonstrated. Unfortunately, there is just the briefest mention of color deficiencies in vision, and no discussion of how to compensate for them.

The final theme of the book is ‘Narratives of Space and Time’. In a discussion ranging from Galileo through railroad timetables to dance notation, Tufte presents the problem of representing spatial and temporal changes simultaneously in a manner that clearly shows their relationship.

As in his earlier volume, Tufte draws his examples from around the world, and from both modern and ancient sources. He is careful both to point out what, in his opinion, is good or bad about each example, and to explain why he has come to his conclusions. Many of the examples chosen bear repeated study from different points of view.

The book is a delight to have on hand for browsing. More importantly, it contains many useful ideas for improving the quality of graphic displays, whether on paper or on the computer screen.

ROBERT R. KORFHAGE University of Pittsburgh

1045-926X/92/030319 + 01 $08.00/O 0 1992 Academic Press Limited