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The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics summary
Brief summary
The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics by Dona M. Wong is a comprehensive resource that provides practical tips and techniques for creating effective and compelling data visualizations. It offers valuable insights for both beginners and experienced professionals in the field of information design.
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Table of Contents
The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Power of Information Graphics
In The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics, Dona M. Wong provides an in-depth exploration of the world of information graphics. She begins by emphasizing the importance of clear and effective communication through graphics, especially in a world inundated with data. Wong, who was the graphics director at The Wall Street Journal, draws on her extensive experience to highlight how visual representation of data can help cut through complexity and present information in a more accessible and impactful way.
Wong establishes that the primary function of information graphics is to reveal the truth, and that a well-constructed graphic can help clarify complex data, identify trends, and highlight key insights. She emphasizes the need for graphics to be accurate, clear, and efficient in their communication, and provides numerous examples to illustrate her points.
Choosing the Right Graphic for Your Data
The next section of the book delves into the process of selecting the appropriate graphic form to represent different types of data. Wong introduces a range of graphic forms such as bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, and scatter plots, and explains when and how to use each. She emphasizes the importance of matching the graphic form to the data type, and provides practical tips for making these decisions.
Wong also discusses the design principles that govern the effective use of color, scale, and labeling in information graphics. She emphasizes the importance of simplicity and the need to avoid clutter, which can obscure the message. Throughout, she provides a wealth of examples from The Wall Street Journal and other sources to illustrate both effective and ineffective use of graphics.
Effective Presentation and Communication
In the latter part of the book, Wong focuses on the art of presenting information graphics. She provides guidance on how to create a visual hierarchy, ensuring that the most important information is easily grasped. She also discusses how to present graphics in a way that is engaging and easily understood, using the principles of storytelling and visual rhetoric.
Wong also addresses the challenges of presenting complex data to non-technical audiences, such as senior executives or policymakers. She emphasizes the need to distill the key message and present it in a way that is accessible and persuasive, without oversimplifying or distorting the data.
Practical Applications and Final Thoughts
In the final sections of The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics, Wong provides practical advice on creating graphics for specific contexts, such as business reports, scientific papers, and presentations. She emphasizes the need to tailor the graphics to the audience and purpose, and provides guidelines for doing so.
In conclusion, Wong reiterates the power of information graphics to reveal insights, tell stories, and influence decisions. She encourages readers to approach the creation of information graphics as a form of visual journalism, driven by a commitment to clarity, accuracy, and truth. The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to master the art and science of visualizing data.
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What is The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics about?
The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics by Dona M. Wong offers practical advice and clear examples for creating effective data visualizations. Whether you're a business professional, journalist, or student, this book will help you communicate complex information in a visually compelling way.
The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics Review
The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics (2010) is a valuable resource that explains how to effectively create and interpret information graphics. Here's why this book is a worthy read:
- Illustrates clear principles for designing informative and visually appealing graphics that effectively convey data.
- Provides practical tips on presenting complex information visually for enhanced understanding by readers.
- Uses real-world examples from The Wall Street Journal to demonstrate the power of information graphics in capturing attention and delivering messages effectively.
Who should read The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics?
Anyone who needs to present data in a clear and visually appealing way
Professionals in marketing, business, or journalism
Students or educators in the fields of statistics, information design, or communication
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The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics FAQs
What is the main message of The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics?
The main message of The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics is the importance of effective visual communication.
How long does it take to read The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics?
The estimated reading time for The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics is worth reading for its practical insights and valuable guidance on creating impactful visuals.
Who is the author of The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics?
The author of The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics is Dona M. Wong.
What to read after The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
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- Brave New War by John Robb
- Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
- The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
- The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly