Unit 3 Reading Summary

Chapter 20: Beautiful Visualization

Visualization Indexed by Jessica Hagy

I really enjoyed the simplicity of this chapter. It contained simple graphics and easy to understand analogies. Interestingly enough, simplicity is one of the topics in this chapter that breaks down visualization.

There’s a difference between drawing and visualization. Drawing is the ability to translate scenes onto papers, like a still life or a bowl of fruit. Visualization, however, is the ability to put ideas onto paper – taking massive and/or complicated data and breaking it down to a concept that is recognized instantly. Ideas are concepts, theories, equations, opinions and processes.

The term “Visual Practitioners” struck a chord in me. In the years that I’ve done graphic design I’ve always felt that communication with the customer was important in order to “divine their message.” This is part of the progress via visualization, to think, show and share. An effective visualization may be impossible to describe but must be instantly recognizable. An image can set the tone of a visualization, when viewed the observer forms an instant idea based on their experiences. A good visualization enables and fosters connections and helps us communicate. A large amount of data presented to an audience will most likely not gain their attention, but a stunning visual can sell the idea. To this end a visual must be compelling - not only is it visually appealing but it has a message in it.

Visuals have been around from the early years of man starting with cave drawings. Humans communicate with visuals – body language, symbols to represent sounds. Certainly today we are a visual society, using emoticons and avatars and breaking information down to its simplest form to view on various media devices – smart phones, iPads, PowerPoint presentations, websites. Visuals connect, compel, and communicate.