Data Visualization

Edward Tufte’s article dealt primarily with refining and critiquing existing data visualizations. His primary point in this chapter had to do with removing excess visual information. Tufte separates all visual content into “data-ink” and all other content. He advocates for maximizing data-ink and minimizing all other content, within reason. This approach champions the data above all else, and leaves little room for aesthetics. This approach is likely most appropriate for scientific publications, where good aesthetics are not necessary to engage the reader with the information. Although championing data above all else is likely good practice when designing any data visualization, reader engagement through aesthetics must also be considered to maximize usability.