"Encoding is called redundant when different visual
channels are used to represent the same information. Redundant encoding is an
efficient trick that helps to understand information from diagrams faster,
easier, and more accurately. […] To decode information easier, align it with
the reality in perspective of both the physical world and cultural conventions.
Some things have particular colors, are larger or heavier than other, or are
associated with the specific place. If your encoding is not compatible with
these properties, readers may wonder why things do not look like they are
expected to. Consequently, their auditory is forced to spend extra efforts
decoding."
"In diagramming, function has to be first. Facts and
logical arguments are essential to explain the idea. However, stylish and
esthetically attractive diagrams do that job even better. An additional
emotional channel of information perception reinforces the total effect on
sharing the designer’s personal experience, enthusiasm, and solution elegance.
Of course, functions and emotions must be balanced. Too much decoration makes
diagrams excessively noisy. When we make cold minimalistic diagrams, we decline
the extra possibility to utilize redundant explanatory channels."
"To keep accuracy and efficiency of your diagrams appealing to a potential audience, explicitly describe the encoding principles we used. Titles, labels, and legends are the most common ways to define the meaning of the diagram and its elements." (Vasily Pantyukhin, "Principles of Design Diagramming", 2015)
"Upon discovering a visual image, the brain analyzes it in terms of primitive shapes and colors. Next, unity contours and connections are formed. As well, distinct variations are segmented. Finally, the mind attracts active attention to the significant things it found. That process is permanently running to react to similarities and dissimilarities in shapes, positions, rhythms, colors, and behavior. It can reveal patterns and pattern-violations among the hundreds of data values. That natural ability is the most important thing used in diagramming." (Vasily Pantyukhin, "Principles of Design Diagramming", 2015)
"Usually, diagrams contain some noise – information unrelated to the diagram’s primary goal. Noise is decorations, redundant, and irrelevant data, unnecessarily emphasized and ambiguous icons, symbols, lines, grids, or labels. Every unnecessary element draws attention away from the central idea that the designer is trying to share. Noise reduces clarity by hiding useful information in a fog of useless data. You may quickly identify noise elements if you can remove them from the diagram or make them less intense and attractive without compromising the function." (Vasily Pantyukhin, "Principles of Design Diagramming", 2015)
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