2 ms·

I never quite understood how Tufte's ideas should play out in typical, simple applications. The only reason I ever check the weather is to see if it's going to

by henning 18y ago

I never quite understood how Tufte's ideas should play out in typical, simple applications. The only reason I ever check the weather is to see if it's going to rain. Beyond that, I don't care about cloud patterns and animations of global cloud movement. I just care whether I need to bring a coat and/or umbrella (and, during the winter, whether I need to just bring a coat or a heavy jacket and gloves). More information doesn't do that for me (I make my decision based on a single number), and the cartoonish simple display Apple provides already suffices for that. Where is the clarification to come? I don't get it. On the other hand, building something for meteorologists or others who have a compelling interest in overall weather patterns would be a completely different story. Also, I hope people don't misinterpret his advice to show lots of information at once and turn their web applications into huge-ass spreadsheet-like grids of numbers ("more information!") or something.

bootload 18y ago
"... Also, I hope people don't misinterpret his advice to show lots of information at once and turn their web applications into huge-ass spreadsheet-like grids of numbers ("more information!") or something ..." Good observation. People underestimate Tufte's brilliance in both graphic and information design, take his advice and fail miserably. Maybe because they lack any background in technical graphics and it's unique problems. "... Where is the clarification to come? I don't get it. ..." The clarification comes from recognising the limitations of small display screens and how to organise and display enough information users will find useful. Then find a way to compare and improve upon them. Comparison with printed examples allow you to emulate the best qualities of print (see the 3 points in p 150 in Visual explanations). There is no magic formula. These are the kinds of problems that Cartograhphers have been dealing with and solved in print. Now craftsmen like Tufte are working on solving them with digital constraints.

by henning 18y ago

bootload 18y ago

"... Also, I hope people don't misinterpret his advice to show lots of information at once and turn their web applications into huge-ass spreadsheet-like grids of numbers ("more information!") or something ..." Good observation. People underestimate Tufte's brilliance in both graphic and information design, take his advice and fail miserably. Maybe because they lack any background in technical graphics and it's unique problems. "... Where is the clarification to come? I don't get it. ..." The clarification comes from recognising the limitations of small display screens and how to organise and display enough information users will find useful. Then find a way to compare and improve upon them. Comparison with printed examples allow you to emulate the best qualities of print (see the 3 points in p 150 in Visual explanations). There is no magic formula. These are the kinds of problems that Cartograhphers have been dealing with and solved in print. Now craftsmen like Tufte are working on solving them with digital constraints.