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Applying Tufte's rules to web design
(Copyright (c) 1996 Janet R. Cottrell)
What Tufte said graphics should do:
How we can apply it:
Show the data. Show the information without obscuring it.
Induce the viewer to think about the substance rather than about methodology, graphic design, the technology of graphic production, or something else. Emphasize content rather than flashy graphics or technology.
Avoid distorting what the data have to say. Don't mislead people through content or graphics.
Present many numbers in a small space. Use screen space wisely.
Make large data sets coherent. Organize information well to make it easier to grasp.
Encourage the eye to compare different pieces of data. Use tables, colors, or graphics to compare/contrast information.
Reveal the data at several levels of detail, from a broad overview to the fine structure. Keep initial screen clean; then provide a table of contents, use consistent headings, and provide links to more detailed areas.
Serve a reasonably clear purpose: description, exploration, tabulation, or decoration. Holds true for web graphics too!
Be closely integrated with the statistical and verbal description of a data set. Graphics and text should work together.