Comment and discussion on this topic at Design Observer:

http://www.designobserver.com/archives/000164.html

i have tuft's 'Envisioning Information' � a readable information design book.

http://www.edwardtufte.com/tufte/books_ei

http://www.edwardtufte.com/tufte/graphics/home_newsculpture1.jpg

Back in school, I saw Tufte speak (on the school's dime), and admission included his 3 books. For those who haven't seen or read him, it's quite fun and informative. He essentially walks through his books, which is good or bad depending on your expectations. I think he's a necessary component of any info designer's education. However, like any source of wisdom,* I found it was best to read it, revel in it, then rebel against it. Tufte-esque infographics became the new Swiss modernism for some people: "this work is good because it looks like X."

Everyone who reads that should read Nigel Holmes' Designer's Guide to Creating Charts and Diagrams. He helped define Time's info-graphic style for a period, and Tufte can't stand him. I mostly can't stand him either, but he occasionally alights on some great ideas. At the very least it's good for a contrasting perspective. He represents, in many ways, the info-graphics philosophy that Tufte called for a break from: the idea that info-graphics are inherently boring and need to be spiced up and dressed up as illustrations.


*up for debate

Chris makes a good point.

Tufte's courses are basically (convincing) sales-pitches for better information design. He's also a fun speaker with actual compelling case studies.

before people bow down too far in front of tufte, i would recommend reading this piece by david sless

here

I was wondering when someone from Text Matters would pop up in this thread

Unfortunately, Matt, the communications.org.au site appears to be down. There is a cached version here

thanks for the cached link john

personally tufte leaves me with mixed opinions. i applaud his approach of getting information design out to the masses, and his books are beautifully produced (i have them all).

but his methods and opinions often leave my jaw dragging on the floor! i was very excited in atypi 99 in boston to see him give the keynote, as i had never had the opportunity before. it *was* interesting, but i felt i was expected to stand up and shout 'right on' and punch the air after every point he made.

god, i'm such a cynic...

oh, and i'm no longer working at text matters -- though i still do work with mark and the team there. have started my own studio called lift with my wife clare (who some of you will know from atypi conferences.

Matt, best of luck getting lift. As for Tufte, I feel exactly the same way as you. And I've heard that only the first book (which I own) is really good.

hhp