Functional Art, The: An introduction to information graphics and visualization (Voices That Matter)

I purchased this book for a class and have read chapters 1-3 (1/4 of the book). The content is fine, not great because most examples are in Portuguese which leaves a translation between you and understanding the examples. My main gripe while reading is the self-centered attitude and constant use of "I" in the text. There was more emphasis on Cairo's life than visualization concepts. Its just an unpleasant feeling when the author is stroking his ego on every page, would recommend finding another book more focused on content and learning.

It's a great text and really essential reading if your in data visualization, however execution is lacking. The fine print is too small on many visuals. For a book on visualizations, this needed to be coffee-table-book sized.

A great read for anyone working in media, advertising or business. It gives a good overview of how to present data to answer the underlying questions, and give the reader the tools to dig deeper. No need to spend $999 on Barbra minto when this gives you as good tools for developing a powerful presentation.The interviews in the last part gives a wider perspective across leading newsrooms and into the digital realm.DVD makes for a lecture in your home. Alberto is engaging, and it serves a good second take on the material.

I bought this book for my husband at his request and he is very happy with it, it exceeded his expectations. He is using it for reference at his work as a scientific illustrator.

Had to read for school, but actually really enjoyed it.

I liked the way the content is presented. Alberto reviews multiple aspects related to visualizations, from perception to design. The only thing I didn't like was that the profiles section was a little long. Also, I would have expected a "where to go form here" section at the end. Anyways, I think I would recommend this book to anybody interested in learning more about visualizations and infographics.

This is an extremely readable book with a lot of great information. Cairo is an engaging author. I am using his book to help our analysts create better infographics of aircraft maintenance data.

Information visualization is important now because with so much data around, it really is hard for most people to establish the true context of what is going on. Without this context, more data leads to more confusion, instead of understanding. This is where information visualization comes in.Visualization presents a visual context, and because most people find it easier to establish themselves visually, it has become an important aid in the learning and understanding process. For this reason, there has been a great deal of demand for information visualization professionals, who can process data, and then distill this information into a clear visual/s which engenders understanding for the intelligent layperson.With all the interest in the field, there have been several different titles which have come out. What makes this title stand out is that the author, Alberto Cairo, focuses especially on the thinking process behind information visualization. For most of his career, he has worked with journalists in the Spanish- and Portuguese speaking world, and emphasizes the importance of putting oneself in the readers' shoes. For instance, does this graph lead to greater understanding, or does it potentially lead to greater confusion? Are circles helpful, or would bars explain the same better?He tells how most people new to the field jump too soon to the "look and feel" part, without first asking the right questions. In his eyes, people should first ask about what information to display, how people will want to explore the information (especially when it is interactive), THEN discuss the look and feel.In the US, a lot of data visualization is done for senior management, CEOs and research academics, instead of the general population. This means that often data visualization is misused, with graphics actually obfuscating instead of leading to greater understanding. Alberto Cairo pleads the case for clear data visualization principles which help readers to gain insights in a complicated world.In the final third of the book, the author includes several interviews with several information visualization practitioners. These are particularly helpful, as they reveal how they attack different challenges in their projects. He includes a wide spectrum of professionals from the Americas and Europe; it is very interesting to see how journalists work with the information visualization professionals in their teams in leading newspapers.This is an excellent introduction to the field, and it has opened my eyes to the future of this field.

The book offers some good learning points but the content is frustratingly full of fluff that just isn't needed. This book should have been written in half the number of words and still would have got the same points across.

For anybody starting out in the field of information graphics and visualisations, or for any journalists who work with designers - this is a must read.The book is clearly laid out and very easy to read and understand. Its one of those books that you can delve into when you have 10 minutes to spare.Cairo takes you through what makes a successful graphic, backing up his arguments with clear examples, both of his own work as well as others. He also goes into the cognitive aspects of our brains, but not in too scientific a way as to put anybody off.The last part of the book is taken up with interviews conducted by Cairo with 10 designers at the top of their particular fields in information graphics and data visualisations. Full of interesting, colourful examples and a great resource.I found it to be an excellent overview, a great resource, easily read and full of inspiration, even for someone like me who has been producing graphics for over 30 years. One to keep by your desk. Highly recomended

A brilliant book. Readable, logical, informative, and full of insight and discovery. This is one of my very favourite books. The interviews at the end led me to look into the interviewees work which has led to more great discoveries for me.

Cairo's prose reads like a favourite novel. I feel inspired at the end of every page and wish I could be an apprentice of his for a year or two.

Easy to read, liked the examples.