I’ve just watched some lectures on the two major schools of design: Tufte and Holmes.
This was one of them (Vimeo.com)
They’re radically different. Tufte advocates simple data visualisations with a maximum data-to-ink ratio. Holmes likes to add visual elements, pictures and illustrations onto charts, which Tufte calls “chartjunk”. You’ll have noticed the striking difference between these two competing schools when you upgraded your iPhone from the Holmes-inspired, skeuomorphic iOS 6 to the Tufte-inspired, clear and minimalist iOS 7.
Clearly, the Tufte-inspired version on the right looks much better.
Here is a simple introduction to minimalist Tufte design:
I’m on the side of Tufte here. I like complicated data visualised in a simple-looking graphic. Looking back at the graphics I made last summer, I decided to update the Mineral Water Composition chart I made last year according to Tufte’s design philosophy.
Here’s the new, Tufte-inspired version:
And here’s the old Holmes-inspired version I made a year ago:
Which design do you prefer…? Holmes or Tufte?
Related articles
- Data Visualization (sciocm.wordpress.com)
- How developers are dealing with the changes Apple wrought in iOS 7 (zdnet.com)
- Brian Suda – Visualising Data (vimeo.com)
James Kennedy 