"The best-known function of charts is for demonstration purposes, to show up facts. When so presented they do not require a trained mind for their appreciation, since the spatial sense through the optic nerve is among the commonest of the human attributes." (Allan C Haskell, "How to Make and Use Graphic Charts", 1919)
"Under certain conditions, however, the ordinary form of graphic chart is slightly misleading. It will be conceded that its true function is to portray comparative fluctuations. This result is practically secured when the factors or quantities compared are nearly of the same value or volume, but analysis will show that this is not accomplished when the amounts compared differ greatly in value or volume. [...] The same criticism applies to charts which employ or more scales for various curve. If the different scale are in proper proportion, the result is the same as with one scale, but when two or more scales are used which are not proportional an indication may be given with respect to comparative fluctuations which is absolutely false." (Allan C Haskell, "How to Make and Use Graphic Charts", 1919)
"Graphic presentation is a functional form of art as much as modern painting or architectural design. The painter studies his subject to determine what colors and style and design will best express his ideas. The same kind of imagination is exercised by the graphic artist and analyst. In addition, the graphic analyst has some of the same problems as the architect. The modern architect studies the family, its hobbies, interests, ambitions, and financial status, among other things, before he designs the new home. The graphic analyst should make just as thorough a study of the characteristics of the data and file uses for which it is intended before he designs his project. In the same way that the architect must know his materials and how they can best be used both in traditional ways and in new ways of his own devising, so must the graphic analyst be familiar with materials and techniques." (Mary E Spear, "Charting Statistics", 1952)
"A drawing can show a true picture of both the situation as a whole and its separate components at a glance, and do the job better than could figures or the spoken word. In its essence, a chart is a medium of communication conveying a thought, an idea, a situation from one mind to another and not a work of art or a statistical table. The simpler, the more direct it is, the better it will perform that service which is its sole function." (Anna C Rogers, "Graphic Charts Handbook", 1961)
"Because ease of use is the purpose, this ratio of function to conceptual complexity is the ultimate test of system design. Neither function alone nor simplicity alone defines a good design. [...] Function, and not simplicity, has always been the measure of excellence for its designers." (Fred P Brooks, "The Mythical Man-Month: Essays", 1975)
"Remember, the primary function of a graph of any kind is to illustrate the relationship between two variables. [...] To draw any graph we must have established some relationship between the two variables. This relationship can be in the form of a formula" (equation is the more mathematical term), as we have just seen, or simply a set of observations, as is common in all types of statistical work. Sometimes we develop set of observations and then try to find an equation that expresses, in mathematical language, the relationship between the two variables." (Peter H Selby, "Interpreting Graphs and Tables", 1976)
"Graphic forms help us to perform and influence two critical functions of the mind: the gathering of information and the processing of that information. Graphs and charts are ways to increase the effectiveness and the efficiency of transmitting information in a way that enhances the reader's ability to process that information. Graphics are tools to help give meaning to information because they go beyond the provision of information and show relationships, trends, and comparisons. They help to distinguish which numbers and which ideas are more important than others in a presentation." (Robert Lefferts, "Elements of Graphics: How to prepare charts and graphs for effective reports", 1981)
"Graphs can present internal accounting data effectively. Because one of the main functions of the accountant is to communicate accounting information to users. accountants should use graphs, at least to the extent that they clarify the presentation of accounting data. present the data fairly, and enhance management's ability to make a more informed decision. It has been argued that the human brain can absorb and understand images more easily than words and numbers, and, therefore, graphs may be better communicative devices than written reports or tabular statements." (Anker V Andersen, "Graphing Financial Information: How accountants can use graphs to communicate", 1983)
"In order to be easily understood, a display of information must have a logical structure which is appropriate for the user's knowledge and needs, and this structure must be clearly represented visually. In order to indicate structure, it is necessary to be able to eemphasiz, divide and relate items of information. Visual emphasis can be used to indicate a hierarchical relationship between items of information, as in the case of systems of headings and subheadings for example. Visual separation of items can be used to indicate that they are different in kind or are unrelated functionally, and similarly a visual relationship between items will imply that they are of a similar kind or bear some functional relation to one another. This kind of visual 'coding' helps the reader to appreciate the extent and nature of the relationship between items of information, and to adopt an appropriate scanning strategy." (Linda Reynolds & Doig Simmonds, "Presentation of Data in Science" 4th Ed, 1984)
"The basic principle which should be observed in designing tables is that of grouping related data, either by the use of space or, if necessary, rules. Items which are close together will be seen as being more closely related than items which are farther apart, and the judicious use of space is therefore vitally important. Similarly, ruled lines can be used to relate and divide information, and it is important to be sure which function is required. Rules should not be used to create closed compartments; this is time-wasting and it interferes with scanning." (Linda Reynolds & Doig Simmonds, "Presentation of Data in Science" 4th Ed, 1984)
"The practice of framing an illustration with a drawn rectangle is not recommended. This kind of typographic detailing should never be added purely for aesthetic reasons or for decoration. A simple, purely functional drawing will automatically be aesthetically pleasing. Unnecessary lines usually reduce both legibility and attractiveness." (Linda Reynolds & Doig Simmonds, "Presentation of Data in Science" 4th Ed, 1984)
"A coordinate is a number or value used to locate a point with respect to a reference point, line, or plane. Generally the reference is zero. […] The major function of coordinates is to provide a method for encoding information on charts, graphs, and maps in such a way that viewers can accurately decode the information after the graph or map has been generated. " (Robert L Harris, "Information Graphics: A Comprehensive Illustrated Reference", 1996)
"The main goal of data visualization is its ability to visualize data, communicating information clearly and effectively. It doesn’t mean that data visualization needs to look boring to be functional or extremely sophisticated to look beautiful. To convey ideas effectively, both aesthetic form and functionality need to go hand in hand, providing insights into a rather sparse and complex dataset by communicating its key aspects in a more intuitive way. Yet designers often tend to discard the balance between design and function, creating gorgeous data visualizations which fail to serve its main purpose - communicate information." (Vitaly Friedman, "Data Visualization and Infographics", Smashing Magazine, 2008
"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)
"The sizes of charts in space reflect how we convey information to a reader. In a dashboard context, the content, size, and space that the various charts occupy should reflect the form and function of the main message. As you saw with the bento box metaphor from the introduction, there needs to be deliberate thought put into the placement and size of each individual chart so that they all work together in harmony." (Vidya Setlur & Bridget Cogley, "Functional Aesthetics for data visualization", 2022)
"Good design serves a more important function than simply pleasing you: It helps you access ideas. It improves your comprehension and makes the ideas more persuasive. Good design makes lesser charts good and good charts transcendent." (Scott Berinato, "Good Charts : the HBR guide to making smarter, more persuasive data visualizations", 2023)
"Graphic design is not just about making things look good. It is a powerful combination of form and function that uses visual elements to communicate a message. Form refers to the physical appearance of a design, such as its shape, color, and typography. Function refers to the purpose of a design, such as what it is trying to communicate or achieve. A good graphic design is both visually appealing and functional. It uses the right combination of form and function to communicate its message effectively. Graphic design is also a strategic and thoughtful craft. It requires careful planning and execution to create a design that is both effective and aesthetically pleasing." (Faith Aderemi, "The Essential Graphic Design Handbook", 2024)
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