Computers are able to multiply useless images without taking into account that, by definition, every graphic corresponds to a table. This table allows you to think about three basic questions that go from the particular to the general level. When this last one receives an answer, you have answers for all of them. Understanding means accessing the general level and discovering significant grouping (patterns). Consequently, the function of a graphic is answering the three following questions:
Which are the X,Y, Z components of the data table? (What it’s all about?)
What are the groups in X, in Y that Z builds? (What the information at the general level is?)
Following the link might help, but I believe the general idea is that if you’re trying to present information in a graphic, to sort out what is important about it and what presentation will make it clear.
If you’re trying to present any kind of information at all, you should figure out what is important about it and what presentation will make it clear.
Unfortunately, the quote above isn’t at all clear, even in context. I suspect this is because Jacques Bertin isn’t as good at expressing himself in English as in French, but even so I’m unable to understand the sample data he presents or how it relates to the point he was trying to make.
Jacques Bertin
I can’t make head or tail of this quote.
Following the link might help, but I believe the general idea is that if you’re trying to present information in a graphic, to sort out what is important about it and what presentation will make it clear.
If you’re trying to present any kind of information at all, you should figure out what is important about it and what presentation will make it clear.
Unfortunately, the quote above isn’t at all clear, even in context. I suspect this is because Jacques Bertin isn’t as good at expressing himself in English as in French, but even so I’m unable to understand the sample data he presents or how it relates to the point he was trying to make.
It’s Continental Philosophy at its worst. I can assure you it’s exactly as messy in French.
Unfortunately, I posted because it looked reasonable more than because I had a solid understanding.
Here’s where I picked it up (page down to del_c)-- the chart is definitely clearer when the person influenced by Bertin has re-arranged it.