reading DIAGRAM

I Understand the need to make information graphics both purely factual, 'staying in the realm of objective information', and avoiding "chart junk". I also understand the desire and interest in making expressive diagrams. I think that a successful diagram has a little bit of both – depending on what audience these diagrams are going to be exposed to, and how important or subjective the subject matter is.

I full heartedly agree with Tufte that using distorted diagrams to convince people of a lie or a half truth is a serious matter. People use diagrams often in different professional fields and for various campaigns (i.e. corporate enterprise, political campaigns, etc) and get away with lying far more often than we like to think. This is a testament as to how powerful information graphics can be, and how important it is for people who use them to be honest and truly factual.

I noticed how complex most of the diagrams were in the example that the "Graphic Design - The New Basics" book gave. I'm especially drawn to the ones that are more generous with space and have simple graphic elements that direct the viewer throughout the graphic system (p. 250). It's important to use only concise information and relevant visual support.

Granted, subject matter will manifest itself in various ways thus requiring different methods of communication. Diagrams are generally based on temporal, spatial, and numerical (comparative) themes. The trick is to find a creative and unique way of conveying the information.