Lessons from Edward Tufte

The most effective reports and presentations are simple, direct, and visualize data that asks the right questions and supplies answers. Invest time in training yourself about data visualization techniques. If you need inspiration, visit the New York Times Visualization Lab (http://zqi.me/nytvlab).

Images can sometimes tell more than text. For example, graphs or charts can describe a trend more succinctly than a table full of numbers.

Much of the data visualization that bombards us today is decoration at best, and distraction or even disinformation at worst. The decorative function is surprisingly common, perhaps because the data visualization teams of many media organizations are part of the art departments. They are led by people whose skills and experience are not in statisti

But the most effective visual presentations are clear, concise, and even terse.