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'The visual representation of data has gone through a number of phases, with its goals switching back and forth between analysis and presentation over time.

The first uses of graphics to represent data, interestingly, were very bare and abstract, and at the same time were mostly tools for communication. The abstract nature of these early charts is surprising when you consider the amount of ornamentation and decoration that was common with even simple household objects in the early to middle of the 19th century.'

 

The article goes on to briefly describe and provide examples for the following eras of 200 years in visualization theory and practice:

Early to Mid–1800s: Playfair, Nightingale, Snow, Minard 1920–30s: Neurath 1960–70s: Bertin and Tukey 1970–80s: Holmes 1980s: Tufte 2000s: INFOGRAPHICs vs. Visualization

A recommended read for anyone interested in a short history of data analysis and means of visual communication.

Via Lauren Moss

Let’s be honest, we don’t like to read big pieces of text. Text-heavy graphs are rather difficult for understanding, especially when dealing with numbers and statistics. That is why illustrations and flowcharts are often used for such kind of information.

An infographic, or a visual representation of study or data, like anything else, can be done right or wrong. How to create a successful infographic? A good idea and a good design.

 

Stop by the link for more on what defines an infographic, what contributes to its popularity, as well as the various types of infographics and references for tutorials and best practices.

 

Additional topics covered include:

The major parts of an infographic How to create an infographic Developing ideas & organizing data Research & sources Typography, graphics & color Facts & conclusions Designing & Editing
Via Lauren Moss

A collection of resoureces and links to free infographic design vector elements, including various graphics, charts, labels, pictograms, symbols, maps and more- for use in designing infographics and data visualizations.

Simply open the files in a vector based program and edit...

Via Lauren Moss

In this era of “Big Data,” businesses rely on the accumulation and analysis of raw data to help understand an uncertain environment. Yet the sheer quantity of available information can overwhelm even the most sophisticated data miner. The problem of transforming spools of statistics into decipherable figures is one all too familiar to the world of science. Scientists deal with not only big numbers, but big concepts that require complex modeling and high levels of abstraction.
The International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge, created by the National Science Foundation and the journal Science, is an effort to recognize scientific researchers who use visualization to communicate their findings in ways that are accessible to the general public. Since 2003, awards have been handed out annually in a variety of categories, from Photography to Illustrations to Informational Graphics.

With the parallels between science and business in mind, let’s consider some past winners of the challenge and identify how these particular visualizations effectively distill data into an engaging and informative piece of art...

Via Lauren Moss