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The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics: The Dos and Don'ts of Presenting Data, Facts, and Figures
This title gives a step-by-step guide to executing clear and concise graphics for everyone from the average PowerPoint user to the sophisticated professional, showing how to use different techniques to convey messages eloquently and effectively.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 12, 2010
The WSJ Guide to Information Graphics is an essential read for anyone whose job involves presentation of data and information. The book reads like a style guide, providing underlying methods for creating clear and informative charts and information graphics.
Dona Wong was a former student of two designers I admire, Paul Rand and Edward Tufte. While she successfully follows in their footsteps in terms of design expertise, the book is missing the character and wit found in books by Rand or Tufte, making the book feel like a chore to read.
Charts are endlessly fascinating and wonderful, but you'll never know it based on this book — you'll just learn how to not screw them up.
Dona Wong was a former student of two designers I admire, Paul Rand and Edward Tufte. While she successfully follows in their footsteps in terms of design expertise, the book is missing the character and wit found in books by Rand or Tufte, making the book feel like a chore to read.
Charts are endlessly fascinating and wonderful, but you'll never know it based on this book — you'll just learn how to not screw them up.
October 10, 2018
To be fair to Ms. Dono M. Wong the first two causes of my disappointment with The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information graphics are on me. It is a short book. How many of us check the page count on prospective book buys. The 160 pages are slightly less information dense than they could be because space is used in a way more like an information graphic and less like a text. The second problem I lay on my head is that a fair slice of the Guide focuses on reporting Wall Street as in stocks, money and other related Wall Street centric issues. Com’on it says Wall Street in the title. So I take my rap even as I stick the book with an ok rating.
For me the first 1/3 of the book was very helpful and will remain so as a ready reference. The best use of the book is to scan it for concepts and refer back as part of designing and checking your work. A second part of the book is so important I will have to find a way to share it at work; is the section that speaks to color choices that work best with the color blind. Such as My captain and other senior members of Department leadership.
Ultimately this book is meaty, but there needs to be more. The section on maps is particularly thin, Ms Wong may not feel that she has enough specialized knowledge of the field of cartography, but if you are publishing under the name Wall Street Journal; there should be more human assets available. I get the finance industry emphasis but there is a case for other sections, or a series that speak to other major consumers of information graphics.
For me the first 1/3 of the book was very helpful and will remain so as a ready reference. The best use of the book is to scan it for concepts and refer back as part of designing and checking your work. A second part of the book is so important I will have to find a way to share it at work; is the section that speaks to color choices that work best with the color blind. Such as My captain and other senior members of Department leadership.
Ultimately this book is meaty, but there needs to be more. The section on maps is particularly thin, Ms Wong may not feel that she has enough specialized knowledge of the field of cartography, but if you are publishing under the name Wall Street Journal; there should be more human assets available. I get the finance industry emphasis but there is a case for other sections, or a series that speak to other major consumers of information graphics.
May 15, 2014
Useful reference book for someone who is new to data visualisation and wants to avoid basic mistakes without diving deep into the subject. Those with more profound interest should look elsewhere (start with Tufte).
Read
September 29, 2022Short but useful guide to data visualization from the Wall Street Journal - less technical in nature, this book gives overall best practices for creating charts and graphs and includes a variety of helpful visuals to illustrate its points.
Highlights:
“We live in a data-driven world where the ability to create effective charts and graphs has become almost as indispensable as good writing. With computer technology, anyone can create graphics, but few of us know how to do it well.”
“When a chart is presented properly, information just flows to the viewer in the clearest and most efficient way. There are no extra layers of colors, no enhancements to distract us from the clarity of the information.”
“[There are] three essential elements of good information graphics:
1. Rich content brings meaning to a graphic.
2. Inviting visualization interprets the content and highlights the essence of the information for the reader.
3. Sophisticated execution brings the content and the graphics to life.”
“How to create effective charts:
1. Research - Research from up-to-the-minute
authoritative sources [and] use an independent source.
2. Edit - Identify your key message, choose the best data series to illustrate your point, and filter and simplify the data to deliver the essence of the data to your intended audience.”
3. Plot - Choose the right chart type, settings, labels, and use color and typography to accentuate the key message.
4. Review - Check the plotted data against
your sources, use judgment to evaluate whether
your chart makes sense, try to look at the chart from the
reader's perspective, and verify your data with additional
sources.”
“The frame of the information dictates how readers interpret the data. People need a reference point. When you supply the reference point, you control the message.”
“The message of the chart should be consistent with ALL the facts and evidence available.”
“Do sweat the small stuff - Data is only as good as its source. Getting data from reputable and impartial sources is critical.”
“One size doesn't fit all - Every set of data requires individual analysis and interpretation. There are many ways to present and visualize the same set of data.”
“Rich data means quality data - accurate data from
reputable sources plus effective filtering of the data for the audience. In presentation, sometimes less is more.”
“Don't set a huge amount of text in bold. Emphasizing everything means nothing gets emphasized.”
“Once you choose a [color] palette, stay with it for the entire presentation so all the visuals look coordinated.”
“Admit colors into charts gracefully, as you would receive in-laws into your home. Don't apply all the colors in your palette at the same time. Using too many colors in a single chart is confusing and garish. Instead, choose harmonious combinations, such as different shades of the same color or colors on the same side of the color wheel. Limit the scope even if color is available, it is okay not to use it at all.
Don't choose your colors arbitrarily. Choose them strategically to compare and contrast your data effectively. Every time you change a color, it signifies a change in information or an added layer of data. Ultimately, the information you present should determine every color
you choose for your charts.”
“Even if color is available, do not plot more than four lines on a single chart. You won't find a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow.”
“Use a legend only when space is tight and the lines intersect extensively.”
“Adhere to the correct chart type for each series lines for continuous data and bars for discrete quantities. Do not deviate for stylistic reasons. The only exception is when both data series call for a chart with vertical bars. In such instances, convert one to a line.”
“The width of the bars should be about twice the width of the space between the bars.”
“Left is negative, right is positive - Always keep the negative numbers on the left side of the zero line, even if the entire data set consists of negative values. The right side of the baseline is reserved for positive numbers only.”
“Too many slices - It's difficult to compare and contrast many segments. A pie chart shouldn't have more than five slices.”
“Expressing quantitative and descriptive information in a tabular form is often the simplest method of presenting copious amounts of data. However, it should be used judiciously and as a last resort in most cases. A chart is more memorable than a table of numbers.”
“Always align decimal numbers on the decimal point - Round off all figures to the same number of places after the decimal point, even whole numbers.”
“What's the most effective way to communicate with decision makers when we have five minutes of their time? A concise graphic illustration creates focus and urgency for the audience and helps the team stay on track. Laying out the plan graphically often helps identify challenges ahead of time. Drawing up a successful plan is planning
for success.”
“In Brief:
- Tell a compelling story with every chart by making a conscious choice of data set, presentation style and color scheme.
- Put numbers in context.
- Do the math for your readers. Decide whether percentage changes or absolute values give a more faithful representation.
- Use as few font styles as possible. Use bold or italic only to differentiate, but not both at the same time.
- Use color to convey information and not for decoration.
- Work hard to make it effortless for your readers.
Essentially, use as few graphical elements as possible to keep the visuals clean and crisp. Complexity should be added only when it communicates new information. Before you decide the chart form, filter the information to make your point clear and direct. Add as many layers of information as necessary to convey the key message in each chart, and not one bit more. Simplify, simplify, simplify!”
Highlights:
“We live in a data-driven world where the ability to create effective charts and graphs has become almost as indispensable as good writing. With computer technology, anyone can create graphics, but few of us know how to do it well.”
“When a chart is presented properly, information just flows to the viewer in the clearest and most efficient way. There are no extra layers of colors, no enhancements to distract us from the clarity of the information.”
“[There are] three essential elements of good information graphics:
1. Rich content brings meaning to a graphic.
2. Inviting visualization interprets the content and highlights the essence of the information for the reader.
3. Sophisticated execution brings the content and the graphics to life.”
“How to create effective charts:
1. Research - Research from up-to-the-minute
authoritative sources [and] use an independent source.
2. Edit - Identify your key message, choose the best data series to illustrate your point, and filter and simplify the data to deliver the essence of the data to your intended audience.”
3. Plot - Choose the right chart type, settings, labels, and use color and typography to accentuate the key message.
4. Review - Check the plotted data against
your sources, use judgment to evaluate whether
your chart makes sense, try to look at the chart from the
reader's perspective, and verify your data with additional
sources.”
“The frame of the information dictates how readers interpret the data. People need a reference point. When you supply the reference point, you control the message.”
“The message of the chart should be consistent with ALL the facts and evidence available.”
“Do sweat the small stuff - Data is only as good as its source. Getting data from reputable and impartial sources is critical.”
“One size doesn't fit all - Every set of data requires individual analysis and interpretation. There are many ways to present and visualize the same set of data.”
“Rich data means quality data - accurate data from
reputable sources plus effective filtering of the data for the audience. In presentation, sometimes less is more.”
“Don't set a huge amount of text in bold. Emphasizing everything means nothing gets emphasized.”
“Once you choose a [color] palette, stay with it for the entire presentation so all the visuals look coordinated.”
“Admit colors into charts gracefully, as you would receive in-laws into your home. Don't apply all the colors in your palette at the same time. Using too many colors in a single chart is confusing and garish. Instead, choose harmonious combinations, such as different shades of the same color or colors on the same side of the color wheel. Limit the scope even if color is available, it is okay not to use it at all.
Don't choose your colors arbitrarily. Choose them strategically to compare and contrast your data effectively. Every time you change a color, it signifies a change in information or an added layer of data. Ultimately, the information you present should determine every color
you choose for your charts.”
“Even if color is available, do not plot more than four lines on a single chart. You won't find a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow.”
“Use a legend only when space is tight and the lines intersect extensively.”
“Adhere to the correct chart type for each series lines for continuous data and bars for discrete quantities. Do not deviate for stylistic reasons. The only exception is when both data series call for a chart with vertical bars. In such instances, convert one to a line.”
“The width of the bars should be about twice the width of the space between the bars.”
“Left is negative, right is positive - Always keep the negative numbers on the left side of the zero line, even if the entire data set consists of negative values. The right side of the baseline is reserved for positive numbers only.”
“Too many slices - It's difficult to compare and contrast many segments. A pie chart shouldn't have more than five slices.”
“Expressing quantitative and descriptive information in a tabular form is often the simplest method of presenting copious amounts of data. However, it should be used judiciously and as a last resort in most cases. A chart is more memorable than a table of numbers.”
“Always align decimal numbers on the decimal point - Round off all figures to the same number of places after the decimal point, even whole numbers.”
“What's the most effective way to communicate with decision makers when we have five minutes of their time? A concise graphic illustration creates focus and urgency for the audience and helps the team stay on track. Laying out the plan graphically often helps identify challenges ahead of time. Drawing up a successful plan is planning
for success.”
“In Brief:
- Tell a compelling story with every chart by making a conscious choice of data set, presentation style and color scheme.
- Put numbers in context.
- Do the math for your readers. Decide whether percentage changes or absolute values give a more faithful representation.
- Use as few font styles as possible. Use bold or italic only to differentiate, but not both at the same time.
- Use color to convey information and not for decoration.
- Work hard to make it effortless for your readers.
Essentially, use as few graphical elements as possible to keep the visuals clean and crisp. Complexity should be added only when it communicates new information. Before you decide the chart form, filter the information to make your point clear and direct. Add as many layers of information as necessary to convey the key message in each chart, and not one bit more. Simplify, simplify, simplify!”
August 6, 2023
Almost like a recipe book for common visualizations. Focuses a lot on stylistic details. Straightforward and solid information for someone who plots lots.
May 17, 2017
Невелика, але досить толкова книга для тих хто займається дизайном графіків. Містить докладний список правил та методолій для інформаційного дизайну, який дозволить якісно і швидко оцінювати масиви інформації в компантному розмірі
June 7, 2022
خلاصه و جمع و جور
صفحه آرایی آموزشی و خارق العاده چشم نواز
بسیار آموزنده برای افرادی با هر سطح مهارت
خلاصه ای از پارامتر های طراحی نمودار مانند رنگ و قلم
دسته بندی انواع نمودار ها و کاربردهای آن
خلاصه ای ابتدایی در مورد شاخص های آماری
در نهایت بخش های آخر کتاب نمونه های موفق دارد که تقریبا محتوای کتاب همانهاست.
در نظر اخر کتابی شسته و رفته برای رجوع در اوقاتی که حوصله بهتر کردن و فکر کردن نیست.
صفحه آرایی آموزشی و خارق العاده چشم نواز
بسیار آموزنده برای افرادی با هر سطح مهارت
خلاصه ای از پارامتر های طراحی نمودار مانند رنگ و قلم
دسته بندی انواع نمودار ها و کاربردهای آن
خلاصه ای ابتدایی در مورد شاخص های آماری
در نهایت بخش های آخر کتاب نمونه های موفق دارد که تقریبا محتوای کتاب همانهاست.
در نظر اخر کتابی شسته و رفته برای رجوع در اوقاتی که حوصله بهتر کردن و فکر کردن نیست.
July 10, 2018
TODO full review:
+ Quick read with summaries of the key elements of information visualization. Think Stephen Few reduced to its essence. Can read in 30 minutes, reuse when needed.
+++ Covers in brief: fonts, colors, and typography; charts with lines, vertical and horizontal bars, pies, pictograms, and (so very briefly) maps; tables (good idea: add horizontal bars for the dominant piece of information -- Tufte would immediately ask for a sparkline, to densify the use of space); and special charts about organizational structure, inter-node flows, planning (Gantt), progress reports; etc. By and large, good stuff, succinctly.
++/- A chart on the "visual-data continuum", which discretizes (so, not really a continuum) four levels of data (from poor to rich) and visual complexity (from low to high visual impact).
- Some of the advice goes against what we think is good practice: emphasis on simple pie-charts goes against the inability of humans to interpret areas of circles and circle-sectors, even mentioning donut pie-charts (pie-charts with an empty circle-shape in the middle) makes Tufte's angels shudder, idea to combine two-level data as a pie-chart and a segmented bar makes designers drop their consistency principles and restart a career in copy-editing, vertical is here considered higher impact and more legible than horizontal bars (Tufte and Few say differently), the spider chart (Kiviat diagram) would raise Tufte's eyebrows and leave many unable to explain what does such a chart show, etc.
-- Too much emphasis put on the author having been the graphics director for The Wall Street Journal. Nothing in the text justifies this emphasis.
--- Not an Edward R. Tufte: nothing new or deep in this book.
+ Quick read with summaries of the key elements of information visualization. Think Stephen Few reduced to its essence. Can read in 30 minutes, reuse when needed.
+++ Covers in brief: fonts, colors, and typography; charts with lines, vertical and horizontal bars, pies, pictograms, and (so very briefly) maps; tables (good idea: add horizontal bars for the dominant piece of information -- Tufte would immediately ask for a sparkline, to densify the use of space); and special charts about organizational structure, inter-node flows, planning (Gantt), progress reports; etc. By and large, good stuff, succinctly.
++/- A chart on the "visual-data continuum", which discretizes (so, not really a continuum) four levels of data (from poor to rich) and visual complexity (from low to high visual impact).
- Some of the advice goes against what we think is good practice: emphasis on simple pie-charts goes against the inability of humans to interpret areas of circles and circle-sectors, even mentioning donut pie-charts (pie-charts with an empty circle-shape in the middle) makes Tufte's angels shudder, idea to combine two-level data as a pie-chart and a segmented bar makes designers drop their consistency principles and restart a career in copy-editing, vertical is here considered higher impact and more legible than horizontal bars (Tufte and Few say differently), the spider chart (Kiviat diagram) would raise Tufte's eyebrows and leave many unable to explain what does such a chart show, etc.
-- Too much emphasis put on the author having been the graphics director for The Wall Street Journal. Nothing in the text justifies this emphasis.
--- Not an Edward R. Tufte: nothing new or deep in this book.
September 15, 2016
For what it is, I enjoyed this book.
It's straight to the point, full of solid information, and is designed to reflect what it preaches.
I'm assuming that if you've been working with graphics and figures and tables for awhile, much of this won't be new. But for those like me, who have a basic understanding of why some things work and some things don't, this deepened my knowledge and gave me concrete items to list when something simply felt "off."
Again, this probably isn't for graphic designers or those who've been dealing with such figure making for years, but for any novice and / or those of us who deal with this content enough to need to understand them on a deeper-than-surface level, this is a perfect book to read and reference.
It's straight to the point, full of solid information, and is designed to reflect what it preaches.
I'm assuming that if you've been working with graphics and figures and tables for awhile, much of this won't be new. But for those like me, who have a basic understanding of why some things work and some things don't, this deepened my knowledge and gave me concrete items to list when something simply felt "off."
Again, this probably isn't for graphic designers or those who've been dealing with such figure making for years, but for any novice and / or those of us who deal with this content enough to need to understand them on a deeper-than-surface level, this is a perfect book to read and reference.
August 9, 2013
Having looked for some time for a reasonably comprehensive, yet accessible resource for helping to guide the formulation of data visualization, Wong does an excellent job in this resource. Presenting data is an essential in today's business world and yet the vast majority of people do a very poor job of making information accessible. This book helps to highlight the challenges and to avoid the common mistakes.
July 16, 2018
This book was a chore to read. Its dry, at times its minimalist/essentialist tendencies come off as incredibly cryptic. However, overall the information presented is accessible, it is informative to the point of being standardized presentation of data in charts. I realize that you could completely get by without reading page for page of the book, utilizing it solely as a desk reference. I intend very much to do that, however, in reading the book I gained a baseline understanding of what I presumed were "aesthetically" appropriate choices being wholly distracting and incompatible with the appropriate presentation and digestion of data through charts. Ms. Wong provides a decent baseline, albeit a bit conservative, aspects to good chart creation and data visualization. What she presents is wholly manageable once you internalize the material and confidently apply it, and at that point I am sure there can be some creativity brought into the mix.
I can pile on the complaints that other readers have identified in their reviews for this very short read, but there is nothing authentic about my complaints. The majority of the stated complaints ring true- it is dry, it is a bit boring, it is simplistic; but then again I am not a graphic designer, nor am I a statistician specializing in either aspect of chart creation and data visualization. As a person training to be an effective manager I need to be able to not only interpret data, but understand how to effectively present it, and hopefully, argue my case with strong chart presentations. I also want to be able to provide grounded critique to those i am managing about why something doesn't work or isn't appropriate, not simply state that "I dont like it (implying that my gut tells me its bad)." Ms. Wong aides me in doing precisely this job, and she does this with an effectively strong style, basic concepts, and principles.
I can pile on the complaints that other readers have identified in their reviews for this very short read, but there is nothing authentic about my complaints. The majority of the stated complaints ring true- it is dry, it is a bit boring, it is simplistic; but then again I am not a graphic designer, nor am I a statistician specializing in either aspect of chart creation and data visualization. As a person training to be an effective manager I need to be able to not only interpret data, but understand how to effectively present it, and hopefully, argue my case with strong chart presentations. I also want to be able to provide grounded critique to those i am managing about why something doesn't work or isn't appropriate, not simply state that "I dont like it (implying that my gut tells me its bad)." Ms. Wong aides me in doing precisely this job, and she does this with an effectively strong style, basic concepts, and principles.
January 2, 2020
I would say the book is especially suitable for beginners or people who want to generate clear readable graphics without getting too deep into design and art.
The introduction declares this as a suitable handbook to have on the table if you are working with data visualization and I would fully agree with that. I appreciated the presentation of antipatterns next to the suggested way of presenting and even the brevity of the text. If this is meant to be a reference, the information should not be buried in a wordy paragraph but easy to find.
The suggested graphs and way of data presentation also discusses how the choices matter and influence the reader's interpretation of the data. I would strongly suggest anyone reading the book to first look at the graphs and try to distil their meaning without reading the accompanying text and then see if he agrees. I found the insights from Dona spot on, but there is certainly enough room for individual style differences and personal preferences.
The introduction declares this as a suitable handbook to have on the table if you are working with data visualization and I would fully agree with that. I appreciated the presentation of antipatterns next to the suggested way of presenting and even the brevity of the text. If this is meant to be a reference, the information should not be buried in a wordy paragraph but easy to find.
The suggested graphs and way of data presentation also discusses how the choices matter and influence the reader's interpretation of the data. I would strongly suggest anyone reading the book to first look at the graphs and try to distil their meaning without reading the accompanying text and then see if he agrees. I found the insights from Dona spot on, but there is certainly enough room for individual style differences and personal preferences.
July 2, 2019
This compact text contains, to large extent, the dicta you will have encountered in any adjacent work -- whether science, journalism, business. However the form of the book, fitting the message, makes it easy to digest, and I did glean a few useful lessons:
- The author is very hostile to angled type, and suggests rotating the chart instead.
- I learned what "leading" and "pica" in typography are.
- Colored charts should be legible in black & white, even if they will never be seen that way.
- No more than 4 lines in line charts.
- Label data directly rather than providing a legend.
- Don't use grid lines on horizontal bar charts.
- Largest segment of a pie chart should start at 12 o'clock.
- Whole numbers should be aligned flush right.
Not bad for a 45-minute read.
- The author is very hostile to angled type, and suggests rotating the chart instead.
- I learned what "leading" and "pica" in typography are.
- Colored charts should be legible in black & white, even if they will never be seen that way.
- No more than 4 lines in line charts.
- Label data directly rather than providing a legend.
- Don't use grid lines on horizontal bar charts.
- Largest segment of a pie chart should start at 12 o'clock.
- Whole numbers should be aligned flush right.
Not bad for a 45-minute read.
March 16, 2018
Dona Wong now works at my employer, so I thought it would be interesting to read her book. It came highly recommended by a couple of friends. I'll admit that I was skeptical that it would be of interest to me, because I feel like I'm pretty good at data visualization. I was partly right in that there weren't a ton of new insights for me, but there were definitely some good ideas that I hadn't encountered before.
The book is admirably straightforward and spare, except for the end part, where there is some useless filler added in that isn't related to information graphics.
The book is admirably straightforward and spare, except for the end part, where there is some useless filler added in that isn't related to information graphics.
August 25, 2019
This book would definitely be most suitable for someone with only basic graphic design experience. I have a degree in graphic design, so I found a lot of the information in this book repetitive despite not having any formal education on or experience with information graphics. The math section would've been very useful if I was actively working on an information graphics project, but it's far too technical to remember in the future. If you make a lot of PowerPoints, this would be great for you! Lots of tips on what visual effects are helpful and which detract from your main point.
March 30, 2018
This is probably the best entry point to proper data visualization. The author is as mindful of her clear and concise writing as she is of her graphs. Most ideas are contained within a page or a spread. It is very easy to read and makes for an excellent reference book afterwards. It is not groundbreaking, but even for professionals, it is a quick read and one can always learn from someone’s systematic tackling of expertise. I will recommend it widely.
April 22, 2024
I'm a chart nerd. I'm one of the top contributors to the r/DataIsBeautiful subreddit, and my love of data viz is what landed me my first full-time job as a data scientist. The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics contains useful information, but it lacks the nuance and personality of other beginner-friendly books or the depth of expert-level texts. If you're looking for a better starting point, pre-order the second edition of Nathan Yau's Visualize This.
December 9, 2025
Definitely geared more towards print and traditional media visualization. Some of the advice is less helpful in a BI dashboard setting - I know if I made their pie charts one color that my stakeholders would complain until they were blue in the face. And I wouldn’t disagree with them on that point.
This advice is better for people making PowerPoints and presentations rather than exploratory dashboards.
This advice is better for people making PowerPoints and presentations rather than exploratory dashboards.
January 1, 2020
A brisk introduction to creating effective data visualizations, recommended for a general audience. While it is sparely laid out like a desk guide and could be used as such, it does a great job of drilling in the tenets so that good design decisions become intuitive.
I’d recommend to anyone who ever has to make a graph, from high school students and up.
I’d recommend to anyone who ever has to make a graph, from high school students and up.
July 3, 2017
Highly recommend!
This book is a reference, the way is written help you focus on the message rather than distracting you with a story. I have read a few visualization books and this is the one I will have on my desk.
This book is a reference, the way is written help you focus on the message rather than distracting you with a story. I have read a few visualization books and this is the one I will have on my desk.
March 23, 2020
Very concise explanations. Contrasts "good" layouts with weaker layouts on facing pages.
There is an unfortunate graphic on page 94 which is supposed to explain the me as n, median, and mode. The median is just plain wrong.
There is an unfortunate graphic on page 94 which is supposed to explain the me as n, median, and mode. The median is just plain wrong.
August 18, 2021
A great intro text to infographics. The last third of the book focuses more on financial stuff which makes sense as a WSJ publication (kind of an intro to statistics and other things), but the first two-thirds is great for general purpose reference. Will be using this book to reference frequently!
March 9, 2023
This is a difficult book to recommend. It is a great resource to keep by your side while you are working on data displays, but it is not a resource about how to make data displays—nor does it spend any time arguing for WHY data displays are important.
June 7, 2025
Simple enough read and will serve as a useful reference. The guidelines and recommendations were predominately written for the visualization of financial data, but the underlying principles were broadly applicable. I would recommend starting with Tufte's classics, but this was a good addition.
November 28, 2017
Very hands-on and useful guide. I didn't agree with every recommendation, but overall it is a great resource.
July 17, 2018
I take this as the Strunk & White-like guide for data visualization, which is nice to keep on the shelf in my office, but no one likes to be told dos and don'ts.
January 23, 2019
It's like a prettier and better organized Elements of Style for data artists.
January 26, 2019
Good reference book highlighting key concepts of making better information graphics. Handy reference guide with visual examples. Great intro to the topic.
June 5, 2019
Very clear and gave me the info I need. Borrowed from library but may purchase as I think would be good to have to refer to later.
February 5, 2020
Nice first introduction for analyst or beginners but a bit basic afterwards
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews