Over at Visualization Complexity, Manual Lima has written a fantastic Information Visualization Manifesto. It’s a great collection of reasons why we need visualization and things to avoid.
Form doesn’t follow data. Data is incongruent by nature. Form follows a purpose, and in the case of Information Visualization, Form follows Revelation. Take the simplest analogy of a wooden chair. Data represents all the different wooden components (seat, back, legs) that are then assembled according to an ultimate goal: to seat in the case of the chair, or to reveal and disclose in the case of Visualization. Form in both cases arises from the conjunction of the different building blocks, but it never conforms to them. It is only from the problem domain that we can ascertain if a layout may be better suited and easier to understand than others. Independently of the subject, the purpose should always be centered on explanation and unveiling, which in turn leads to discovery and insight.
Once you read the Manifesto, make sure to read the followup which contains even more great ideas.
via VC blog » Blog Archive » Information Visualization Manifesto.
