"Chartjunk" - Highlights

Highlights of Episode #27 - Chartjunk of Bill Shander's Data Visualization, Data Storytelling, and Information Design - Lesson and Listen Series:

Edward Tufte, a prominent figure in data visualization, popularized the field for a business audience and coined terms like data-ink ratio, small multiples, and sparklines. He coined the term chartjunk to refer to unnecessary embellishments in charts that distract from the data.

Tufte's data-ink ratio concept promoted minimalism in data visualization, which became a widely accepted best practice. There is a school of thought that believes reducing distraction boosts visual impact.

Tufte identified three types of Chartjunk: unintentional optical art, excessive gridlines, and overly stylized designs that obscure data rather than enhance it.

Nigel Holmes, a celebrated graphic designer, was criticized by Tufte for his work at Time Magazine, which featured embellishments.

A 2010 study found that chart junk doesn't harm the integrity of numbers and can even improve recall, supporting Holmes' work. The key seems to be understanding the context and audience, with both approaches having their place in effective data communication.

When to Engage with Design:

• Topic is new to the audience
• Desire to trigger a response
• Need to engage busy audience

In the Interview section of the episode, Nigel Holmes makes these points -

• Minimalism is a good starting point in design, especially for those who can't draw well.
• Embellishments engage readers and help communicate complex ideas to a general audience.
• The balance between minimalism and embellishment depends on the audience. Academics might prefer minimalism, while the general public might benefit from more visually engaging designs.
• Design styles are cyclical

Holmes' 2022 book called "Joyful Infographics" explores making graphics approachable and engaging for audiences.

In conclusion, Bill recommends retiring the term chartjunk. The field of data visualization is diverse, with room for both minimalistic and embellished designs depending on the purpose and audience. Each style serves a unique role in effectively telling data stories.