MAKE THE ABSTRACT CONCRETE
"The progress of civilization can be read in the invention of visual artifacts, from writing to mathematics, to maps, to printing, to diagrams, to visual computing."
How Abstract Graphics Work
They are unique in that each element has a one-to-one correspondence with what it represents. They are prevalent in technical, scientific, and business publications because they provide a concrete reference for understanding difficult content and facilitate analysis and problem solving.
The Cognitive Aspect
Graphics are superior to verbal descriptions because of their effect on cognition. Reducing cognitive load!!!
Applying the Principle
BIG-PICTURE VIEWS - Diagrams depict and help us understand the structure, processes, transformations, cycles, and functions of a system. Every element in a diagram has a direct relationship with the object to which it refers.
A viewer can enter a diagram at the global level and see its overall pattern or enter at the local level and focus on the details.
Dashed Lines - signify transactions, connections, and events that can't be expressed with a solid line.
DATA DISPLAYS - Graphs - visually communicate the relationships hidden in quantitative info and are probably the most common abstract graphic we find in popular media. Poor design is a major reason why info is misinterpreted in graphs.
VISUALIZATION OF INFORMATION - Solution to for representing info that would otherwise be difficult to comprehend, such as how things change over time or with speed or rotation.
Illustrated Visualization / computer-generated visualizations
MORE THAN GEOGRAPHY - Maps are a reduced version of an analogous space and cannot include everything that is in that same physical space. A map communicates the features that are important for its purpose. Minimize the number of details - typefaces can express the personality of an environment
SNAPSHOTS OF TIME - Timelines are quite adaptable. Visualizing relationships and events through time helps us to make sense of the past and allows us to map out the future.
