Envisioning Information

This book as a "must-have" for anyone with an interest in usability design. While it is not a book that focuses specifically on usability design per se, all of the concepts covered in this insightful volume are extremely useful in designing human-computer interfaces. Moreover, since this is a book on information design, it is also a treasure trove of knowledge critical when designing in many other visual mediums such as those found in the world of print media. Throughout the engaging narrative, Tufte draws on many interesting historical examples of successful and unsuccessful attempts at visual communication including everything from astronomical charts to train schedules.

A masterpiece in visual communication itself, the reams of useful knowledge in this book are brought together in a remarkably concise and coherent package, interspersed with beautifully illustrated examples and narratives. The physical book itself is of notable quality, a hallmark of any of Tufte's publications. My only criticism is that the dimensions of this book (0.89 x 10.81 x 8.90) make it a little unwieldy - a pretty moot point, however.

This book is not only excellent in its analyses about organizing and displaying information, but it does that in an impeccable way. It's nice to find a book about design that has wonderful design. I really recommend this book to anyone that's somehow involved in information architecture. I particularly enjoyed the concept of "one plus one is equals to two, three or more". Cheers, Alex

A visual tour de force! Through witty and profound analysis of outstanding information design works from around the world, Edward Tufte culls a set of visual design principles which seem obvious now that they've been so effectively pointed out. I especially liked the alternative periodic table designs. This is the middle book of a series of three outstanding volumes. Worth every penny!