Hi Ken,
I don't see much disagreement between us, but there is a big
difference between Tufte and a number of other information designers,
including myself. From our perspective, the problem with Tufte's
advice is that it is based on inappropriate units of analysis and
evidence. His focus is on the relationship between the elements in
graphic presentations, presupposing a context of use. The focus of
many other information designers, by contrast, is on the context of
use and the tasks people might perform with graphic presentation.
Where this has been subjected to empirical testing, some of Tufte's
advice has not held up. In the end, this is the real problem with
Tufte: strongly held opinions, but not much evidence from actual
usage. This, we are asked to take on trust.
Having said all of that, Tufte is the greatest living advocate for
information design. He hardly needs my endorsement on that matter one
way or t'other.
From a research perspective, however, he does not go to the top of
the class, or even close.
ps, I'm still reading some of the references on Service Design before
responding.
David
--
blog: www.communication.org.au/dsblog
web: http://www.communication.org.au
Professor David Sless BA MSc FRSA
CEO • Communication Research Institute •
• helping people communicate with people •
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