Beyond Bullet Points: Using Microsoft PowerPoint to Create Presentations That Inform, Motivate, and Inspire (Bpg-Other)

Book Description

Improve your presentationsand increase your impactwith 50 powerful, practical, and easy-to-apply techniques for Microsoft PowerPoint. With Beyond Bullet Points, youll take your presentation skills to the next levellearning innovative ways to design and deliver your message. Organized into five sectionsDistill Your Ideas, Structure Your Story, Visualize Your Message, Create a Conversation, and Maintain Engagementthe book uses clear, concise language and just the right visuals to help you understand concepts and start getting better results. Not just a how-to for PowerPoint, this book will help take your presentation skills to the next level! Features 50 innovative, easy-to-apply techniques to help you clarify, visualize, and present your ideas using PowerPoint. Author is a leading presentation-skills consultant. Targeted for intermediate to advanced level users of PowerPoint who are looking to stand out from the crowd and make sure people remember what they say.

Customer Reviews:

Clear guide for creating effective presentations .......2007-08-24

Microsoft PowerPoint changed the world of presentations by simplifying the process of creating a computerized slide show. Alas, over time people started squeezing too much information into every slide and using the preinstalled generic titles. PowerPoint's simplicity let people forget the purpose of presentations: to persuade or to inform without being boring. Cliff Atkinson shows you a creative way to build a good presentation without falling into the PowerPoint template trap - tell a story instead. At present, he provides a free template, storyboard formatter and story guide at sociablemedia.com that adds value to the book, which refers to these resources repeatedly. We recommend this to anyone who gives presentations.

I've used this method and it works.......2007-07-25

I borrowed it from the library and I am going to purchase it for my personal business library. I think that this is a great resource book. I decided to try this method since I do a presentation about once a month to pharmacists. This book helped me to organize my thoughts and present the material in a logical manner. I am in the health care industry and the people I present to are used to seeing bullet points BUT they are bored with it. For those that think the information here won't work, I say give it a try before dismissing it. You may find that your audience doesn't want as many bullet points and facts as you think and that you are a breath of fresh air in doing something new and innovative with your presentations. And remember you can put all of that information from your bullet points in the notes pages and print that out for them.

Don't understand what others see in it.......2007-07-07

I was disappointed having bought this book based on good reviews, so here's my review:

1. The author provides just one tool for one particular type of presentation: "pitch an idea to your bosses". The tool is a 3-act presentation using few words and more graphics and presenter narration.
Although a good tool for some presenters and some presentations, I can only see myself using this in 10-20% of my presentations.

2. Because the author refuses to explore other methods, the book becomes very repetitive and too detailed going on about the same points all the time.

3. Because of this, this is certainly not a book to keep for reference.

4. ...unless you are a total PowerPoint novice and computer-illiterate and want to read a step-by-step instructions about how to resize and crop images in PowerPoint, etc.

5. This is the first book by Microsoft Press I read and I was shocked at the obvious attempts throughout the book to advertise other marginally-related Microsoft products.

The book description says: "Targeted for intermediate to advanced level users". I would never recommend this book to anyone but absolute beginners and even then there must be better books.
The intermediate user should really just browse the first couple of chapters to get the basic idea (1. set the scene 2. show the conflict 3. resolve the conflict) in a bookstore and then decide for himself if he really wants to waste money on something which can easily be summarized on one page.

Better Presentations.......2007-07-05

I've been doing presentations since the BP (before Powerpoint) era and I have a structure that I've used since the beginning. This book caused me to rethink my approach, and, after using it on several recent presentations, I have to say it is a change for the better. Highly recommended if quality communications is your goal.

a very, very helpful book on creating effective presentations.......2007-07-03

While I didn't adopt the 3 > 3 approach Atkinson suggests, I really took to heart his idea of replacing wordy, boring slides with those with only a title (a concept, expressed as a sentence) and high-impact relevant graphics. As a result, I created a six-hour workshop (on personal productivity) that contained a total of five bullets (out of 130 slides). I also created - from the same slide show - a prose booklet that participants take home. Very useful.

More at: What a difference a framework can make
http://ideamatt.blogspot.com/2007/04/what-difference-framework-can-make.html

Average customer rating:

Good But Content Diluted, Concept-Elucidation Blurred?
Just incredible.
Tufte B-sides?
What was I thinking?
Beautiful Evidence

Beautiful Evidence
Edward R. Tufte
Manufacturer: Graphics Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0961392177

Customer Reviews:

Good But Content Diluted, Concept-Elucidation Blurred?.......2007-08-15

Yes it is indeed a sad enterprise when an author--runs out of steam. Begins to repeat; begins to dilute. A near-universal in visual art, also in literature. Mark Twain's early travel books ran dynamic, rich--but then at least one later work slowed to show results of fatigue and the end of inspiration. We can call it an issue of Specific Gravity. What is the amount of material compared to the word-count? One speaks of "op-ed books" today, full-length treatments whose gist and essence could have been presented in, say, 1000 words.

Edward Tufte's invaluable first three books show this proportionate packing with material. Just possibly, this fourth and latest book--shows dilution, watering-down, inappropriate repetition. At least one other reviewer has made this point; I suspect so.

But let's accentuate the positives of Tufte's vision--even if imperfectly presented here. New here (among good stuff such as "sparklines") is the indispensable attempt at explicating universal principles of design. Above the Concrete Particulars, the flux of graphs, charts, pictures, etc., what Conceptual Principles can guide us? And the half-dozen issues he identifies, are helpful.

However, the presentation of them is not. Tufte employs Menard's famous graphic of Napoleon's 1811 Russian campaign to illustrate the principles. However, in terms of sheer Information Elucidation, two errors seem to occur.

First, number of examples. To convey difficult concept, more than one example, illustration, instance is needed. We lack a "rounded ensemble" (in my system's terminology) of several and varied instances to better cinch the point. Example: someone trying to convey the idea of a map as more than just an image of the earth's surface, of presenting knowledge, referenced chromosome maps in genetics, weather maps in meteorology, animal range maps in zoology, magnetic field maps in geology, and wiring diagrams in engineering. [Geographer Peter Gould is even better in elucidating how maps are not terrestrial but conceptual, representing relationships between things. He references "maps" of emotional states of married couples, South Pacific geobotanically, New Zealand "in changing aircost space," intellectual winds blowing through psychology journals, my gosh, world journalism, Shakespeare, influenza...] Bravo, a rounded ensemble cinches the concept with polypod footings. Too bad Tufte fell short here as the multiple instances ploy is actually similar to Tufte's own excellent tactic of "Small Multiples."

Second, comparison/contrast, or rather,Tufte's non-use of this keystone principle of thinking-writing-communicating. Only the excellent Menard graphic is shown; he should have either shown a bad attempt by another of the same subject, or created a "ruined" version also of Menard's, given a flawed example. This dualism for each of his universal principles. One thinks of Tufte's own dictum, statistics always asks, "compared to what?" Or, "He who knows not a foreign country knows nothing of his own." Or, to teach freshmen students good qualities of poetry, give a first draft or inferior poem on the same subject as well as Yeats' excellent final-draft "The Old Pensioner." Or give even a triad: as in, a too-lightly- inked graphic, a just-right density, and then an over-inked graphic.

So much for better elucidation of Key Principles. This is more important than the issue of irrelevant items, such as the issues of introductions and of sculptures. A little charity here; it's hard to exclude one's own enthusiasms. But Convergence to Point is also a principle of good communication.

"At least a quintet [of books] is projected," states Tufte. But let him await the wellspring re-filling itself with Heavy Water, not diluted dew. And please use comparison-contrast and multiple examples to cinch point.

Just incredible........2007-07-18

As always Professor Tufte's work in this area just continues to astound me. I have read- and re-read - the other works and this is arguably the most succinct and tight one yet. It operates equally well from 30,000 feet as it does through a macro lens....very well laid out, beautifully executed and remarkable approachable for a wide range of professionals outside the design and graphics industry.

Tufte B-sides?.......2007-07-01

This fourth book in Tufte's series on visual information resembles a disappointing B-sides/greatest hits collection instead of an essential new work. It includes a full reprint of Tufte's recent PowerPoint pamphlet and frequent discussion of topics from earlier books (for example Minard's chart of Napoleon's march into Russia). The final chapter on Tufte's sculptures seems especially misplaced. New material includes exploration of Sparklines, word-sized graphs interspersed among normal text. In the Graphics Press tradition of superior aesthetics, this book contains richly printed images and text on thick paper.
I'd strongly recommend the previous three books in the series, esp. the first one 'The Visual Display of Quantitative Information'. Those who already own those three works can probably skip this new volume.

What was I thinking?.......2007-06-08

If I had gone into a brick and mortar store and thumbed through the pages of this book I would never have purchased it. I'm sorry I just don't get all this artsy type fluff that everyone seems to be so "Tufte-Gong-Ho" about. I was expecting a book from a professional business perspective on insights on how to represent various types of data in the correct visual format. One look at the table of contents gives you the impression that's exactly what this book is. However, when you look at the actual contents, you have pictures and artwork that would never make it in a professional boardroom. The examples are just plain terrible and you would think someone as good as Tufte would be able to represent and communicate concepts in a better format instead of getting nostalgic with historical artwork. Do I really care about David Smith's Cubi XXVI (1965) sculptural volumes! Oh and the slave trade ship pictures on pages 22-23 are a nice touch. Give me a break; I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out what the point of those pictures were in explaining a concept. I just hope I can resell this book and try to recover half the price I paid for it. If you are in corporate America trying to make a living adding value to your company's bottom line, skip this book.

Beautiful Evidence.......2007-05-07

This book should be reviewed by anyone who writes reports or gives presentations. I especially like the author's views on corruption of data and facts.

Average customer rating:

Excellent!
Good presentation of both beginning and advanced material
Best Intro. Text I've Used
Excellent introduction guide

Computer Vision
Linda G. Shapiro , George C. Stockman , Linda G Shapiro , and George Stockman
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0130307963

Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2007-07-11

Pro:
This book is really good. In simple, the book is written in English. It seems to be aimed at an entry-level CV student. Having some prior Image Processing or Computer Vision background will help you run through the book faster, although it doesn't seem to be required.

Shapiro makes sure you understand the concept behind the algorithm and then provides you the pseudo code rather than typing up some complicated C/C++ code.

Con:
There are alot of exercises in the chapter and they really help in testing your understanding. I only wish the author provided solutions to the exercises.

Good presentation of both beginning and advanced material.......2005-10-07

Of the several computer vision textbooks that I haved owned and read, this book provides the best combination of introductory techniques with more advanced material in a very readable style.
The first two chapters are a very conversational overview of computer vision and image representation, but don't let this fool you. Starting in chapter three, the book becomes concise in presentation and in numerical examples. The authors starts out with the basics of binary image analysis which includes a very good discussion of image morphology. However, this is not an image processing book, so you should already be familiar with image processing on the same level as what is presented in Gonzales & Wood's "Digital Image Processing", which is my personal favorite among the various image processing texts. Next pattern recognition basics are discussed, including a section on neural networks that was clearer than anything I gleaned from Haykin's classic text on the subject. Next, the author moves into the realm of gray scale images by discussing the filtering and enhancing of images, which is similar to material in many image processing books. The basics of computer vision conclude with chapters on color, shading, and texture. Next, the book jumps into more advanced material that builds on the introductory material. For example, there are chapters on content-based image retrieval, a subject on which the author Linda Shapiro is conducting research at the University of Washington, and also on computing motion from 2D image sequences. Finally, the book tackles some 3D computer vision issues such as perceiving 3D from 2D images, object pose computation, and 3D models and matching using image "snakes". There are algorithms presented in pseudocode throughout this book, along with supporting mathematics, so the reader should have a good understanding of matrix algebra as well as calculus to really get the most from this book. The algorithms are concisely represented, and I had no trouble coding up a content-based image retrieval program based solely on the contents of this book. The pattern recognition chapter lacks a few details, and it might be helpful if the reader had a copy of Tom Mitchell's "Machine Learning", which parallels nicely with the pattern recognition chapter of Shapiro's book and is both complete and concise.

Best Intro. Text I've Used.......2003-11-17

This text is excellent as the basis for an introduction to CV, it treats a wide variety of topics in a clear and accessible manner. I particularly appreciated the books coverage of topics which aren't traditionally considered to be CV topics (like classification and some material on probabilistic inference). Highly recommended.

Excellent introduction guide.......2002-08-25

The book presents a nice complement to Image Processing, Analysis and Machine Vision (Image Processing, Analysis, and Machine Vision, 2nd ed., M. Sonka, V. Hlavac, and R. Boyle, 1998, IPAMV). As the difference in names implies, Computer Vision is not appropriate as an image processing textbook. It contains sufficient information on image processing to implement computer vision algorithms, but the focus of the book is on image analysis and high-level vision. The result is that the combination of IPAMV and Computer Vision cover the spectrum from intensive image processing and manipulation to high level analysis, object recognition and content-based image retrieval.

Computer Vision contains sixteen chapters that fall into roughly four categories: overview, 2-D CV topics, 3D CV topics, and special CV topics. Since it was written with the intent of reaching a broader audience than IPAMV, this book is appropriate as a primary text or reference for a wider variety of courses. For example, it would be appropriate for courses ranging from an introduction to imaging for non-scientists to a sophomore-junior elective to a first-year graduate seminar.

The overview chapters (chapters 1-4) include a summary of problems in CV, imaging and image representations, simple binary image analysis and a survey of pattern recognition concepts. The 2-D processing topics (chapters 3, 5-7, and 11) include thresholding and binary image analysis, filtering and enhancement, edge detection, Fourier Transforms, color, texture, segmentation, and 2-D matching and pose calculation. The 3-D computer vision topics (chapters 9-10, and 12-14) include motion detection and analysis, range image analysis, stereo, calibration, intrinsic image analysis and line labeling, shape from X, and camera models. The special topics (chapters 6-8, 15-16) include color and shading, texture, content-based retrieval, virtual reality, and a set of case studies of CV systems. Different combinations of these are appropriate for different types of courses.

In comparison with other texts, the coverage of color and shading in Computer Vision is the best available without consulting a color reference such as Fairchild's Color Appearance Models (described below). However, it still does not contain adequate coverage of physical models of reflection or color appearance. The texture chapter is comparable to Sonka et. al., and the CBIR and VR chapters are unique. It is these latter two areas that give Computer Vision a nice high-level flavor and provides a reference for these growing areas of CV.

Like IPAMV, Computer Vision contains a large number of example images, diagrams, and algorithms. The writing is clear and the mathematics--when it is necessary to present it--is complete and accessible. Since the book is designed with multiple audiences in mind, the heavy mathematical sections are flagged and the book can be used effectively with or without them.

Of particular interest to CV practitioners and students dealing with issues of calibration, chapter 13 contains a nice description of Roger Tsai's camera calibration algorithm, complete with an example. Note that Trucco and Verri (see below) also cover Tsai's calibration algorithm.

Amazon.com

A remarkable range of examples for the idea of visual thinking, with beautifully printed pages. A real treat for all who reason and learn by means of images. -- Rudolf Arnheim

Customer Reviews:

Amazing book for information design.......2007-07-15

I am the type of person who dabbles in all kinds of design, and I think of the ideal designer as one who knows a little about everything. Designers design ways of output, whether it be lemon juice from a lemon or ways to fit all vital components in a laptop in the most efficient way. This book is about the output of information from our multidimensional world to the flat paper space, and he does it brilliantly.
It's even worth mentioning the book itself as a good piece of design. All the images are vivid, the pages feel crisp and durable, even the color of the pages I bet was an attention of detail (it's slightly offwhite, but in an extremely good way). It's like good ol' fashioned timeless design.
He covers the subject wide and far, dips into everything from visual illusions to hardcore information displays. Sometimes you wonder where the heck he gets all these wonderful images, they span from the stoneage till today and show the vast variety of ways to display information, both simple and complex.
It is a beautiful book and an absolute must for people interested in the design of information. Actually, I'd say it's a must for anyone interested in information at all, be it for powerpoint or for magazine layout. This will be one of the most intelligent books on my shelf.

An Obsolete Glance At A Classic Problem.......2007-06-28

This is a short book, 126 pages. An interesting cursory exploration of the subject. However, it feels like it predates information technology (1990 predates the web by 5 years), and seems to have more in common with how to communicate elements of a hand-drawn map atlas if you were living in the 1700s than it has with using Adobe Illustrator to convey an idea for the web. I bought this book to see if it would help me as a web developer, and instead when it arrived I realized I got a weird coffee table book that feels like it was written in the 1960s, at the latest, to summarize that you can use different icons or pictographs of small size to communicate important ideas without words. (Sorry, I already gave away the story of the book.)

I know this review isn't going to get very popular marks, but, put simply, this book is probably good for professional or student pure designers, but it's useless for me. I honestly don't think the book targets web designers, but somebody here reviewed that it was "great" for web designers, so because of that remark I bought it. Sorry, but I don't see the applicability. But then, I only skimmed over the book before I put it back on Amazon Marketplace.

While one should normally never judge a book by its cover, in this case I think you should.

one of three or four.......2007-01-10

this is part of a series from tufte. he uses examples to describe techniques of visualization. if you do presentations to others or write reports that present complex data, several of his books should be in your library.

A wonderful book!.......2006-11-04

No designer should be without this book. I especially enjoy the historical accounts of information design. Of course hind sight is 20/20 so his redesigns seem obvious from our perspective.

An outstanding addition to my library.......2006-06-23

An outstanding addition to my library, Edward systematically explores the presentation of data showing the value of data rich content when it is properly displayed. After reading half the book, I couldn't sit through a presentation without coming up with at least 3 ways to improve it. The illustrations in the book are beautifully rendered and cover a diverse set of subject matter each as interesting as the next. The only topic concerning this book that I struggled with is whether or not to mark it up. In the end, as I do with all of my books I intend to refer back to, I did.

Show Me the Numbers: Designing Tables and Graphs to Enlighten

Average customer rating:

don't get both books
Great Book for Business
Not a Great Advance
Excellent Book
Good graph/table, insightful techniques, clumsy writing

Show Me the Numbers: Designing Tables and Graphs to Enlighten
Stephen Few
Manufacturer: Analytics Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0970601999

Book Description

Tables and graphs can more adequately communicate important business information when they reflect the good design practices discussed in this practical guide to effective table and graph design. Information is provided on the fundamental concepts of table and graph design, the numbers and knowledge most suitable for display in a graphic form, the best tabular means to communicate certain ideas, and the component-level aspects of design. Analysts, technicians, and managers will appreciate the solid theory behind this outline for ensuring that tables and graphs present quantitative business information in a truthful, attractive format that facilitates better decision making.

Customer Reviews:

don't get both books.......2007-09-22

I recommend not buying both of the Few books - there's what seems to be quite a bit of overlapping content between them -- pick the one book that is closer to what you're working on and just get that one, it'll cover what you need.

There are some interesting concepts in here - if you read his blog you'll have a really good idea for what you're getting.

http://www.perceptualedge.com/

Great Book for Business.......2007-07-12

Show Me the Numbers provides the practical and useful information needed to creat tables and graphs to effectively tell your quantitative story. Through numerous examples and illustrations, Stephen Few points out the good, the bad, and the just plain ugly ways that quantitative data can be presented. Numbers are important to any business. This book provides the reader with the tools needed to fluently communicate using the language of numbers.

Not a Great Advance.......2007-05-13

This is a very basic overview of easy descriptive statistics, combined with some Tufte-esque notes on graph display, but for the more sophisticated reader on metrics/data/stats, this is not a real keeper. About 20% of it was new or thought-provoking, so if you're already well-read on this topic, don't get this one.

Excellent Book.......2007-04-12

This is a great book which clearly elucidates design principles. The fact that all the graphs explained are created in Excel also makes the book more practicable.

Good graph/table, insightful techniques, clumsy writing.......2007-01-28

The book's content is good and useful for the analyst who needs to present numbers concisely and clearly, making people understand at the first sight.

However, the writing of the book is a bit clumsy. The book progresses slowly.This book makes its point only at the middle of the book. I was expecting the book went straight to the point to share about the techniques of presenting numbers effectively at the very front pages.

Say It With Charts: The Executive's Guide to Visual Communication

Average customer rating:

Say It with charts
Getting the point across
Consider it part of a broad business education
Say It With Charts: The Executive's Guide to Visual Communication
helpful - nothing more need be said

Say It With Charts: The Executive's Guide to Visual Communication
Gene Zelazny
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 007136997X

Book Description

Step-by-step guide to creating compelling, memorable presentations

A chart that once took ten hours to prepare can now be produced by anyone with ten minutes and a computer keyboard. What hasn't changed, however, are the basics behind creating a powerful visual - what to say, why to say it, and how to say it for the most impact. In Say It With Charts, Fourth Edition --the latest, cutting-edge edition of his best-selling presentation guide -- Gene Zelazny reveals time-tested tips for preparing effective presentations. Then, this presentation guru shows you how to combine those tips with today's hottest technologies for sharper, stronger visuals. Look to this comprehensive presentation encyclopedia for information on:

* How to prepare different types of charts -- pie, bar, column, line, or dot -- and when to use each
* Lettering size, color choice, appropriate chart types, and more
* Techniques for producing dramatic eVisuals using animation, scanned images, sound, video, and links to pertinent websites

Customer Reviews:

Say It with charts.......2007-08-27

Very good as a quick guide for building presentations based on data and charts, but a little more information about when to use it type of chart would be very usefull

Getting the point across.......2006-03-02

As an equity analyst, consultant, and communication specialist, I saw - and made - dozens of colorful presentations with the best charts that excel can draw that simply didn't work.

After the failed presentation, a consultant or analyst who knows how to get his point across will draw a simple diagram or chart on a white board that will be far more convincing and effective than the entire PowerPoint presentation.

This book is for the person who wants to get point across.

Consider it part of a broad business education.......2005-10-25

When one considers the amount of time/money they spend on improving their job skills, it would seem obvious that a high-value read like 'Say it with Charts' would be worth some consideration. It provides a framework for using charts to your advantage- and not just within oral presentations. If anything, this book will increase your willingness to use charts to your advantage when selling an opinion. It forces the user to think about exactly what it is they are trying to say - and then produce a professional looking chart to relay that message.

Any edition will do - the content will not change with the times. The underlying principles can be quite powerful and can be the difference between a simple presentation and one which elicites praise.

Say It With Charts: The Executive's Guide to Visual Communication .......2005-10-24

The book is tremendous for anybody who wants to a make a presentation effective by making it easy to understand.

helpful - nothing more need be said.......2004-05-04

Full disclosure - I used to work at IBM and as an entry level consultant with an MBA there the first thing you are is the .ppt whipping post. That being said, the IBM training program covers many of the concepts from this book. Why?? Simple, they work. Is it the be all and end all? No. The only thing that can help you assemble good content is practice, practice, practice - with a healthy dose of constructive criticism from someone that knows what they are talking about. I just got through a days worth of presentations last Friday to one of the most senior technology people at a major government agency. All I can say is that I really, really, really wish that the people presenting before and after me had taken 5 mintues to review this book before getting in front of that crowd - it would have prevented some spectacular flamouts.

Visual Explanations: Images and Quantities, Evidence and Narrative

Average customer rating:

Many good examples of illustrations
What a gem - but not your first design book
Not a text book but a knowledgeable friend
A must-read for anybody with something to tell
Explaining Quality Visual Information

Visual Explanations: Images and Quantities, Evidence and Narrative
Edward R. Tufte
Manufacturer: Graphics Press
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0961392126

Amazon.com

With Visual Explanations, Edward R. Tufte adds a third volume to his indispensable series on information display. The first, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, which focuses on charts and graphs that display numerical information, virtually defined the field. The second, Envisioning Information, explores similar territory but with an emphasis on maps and cartography. Visual Explanations centers on dynamic data--information that changes over time. (Tufte has described the three books as being about, respectively, "pictures of numbers, pictures of nouns, and pictures of verbs.")

Like its predecessors, Visual Explanations is both intellectually stimulating and beautiful to behold. Tufte, a self-publisher, takes extraordinary pains with design and production. The book ranges through a variety of topics, including the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger (which could have been prevented, Tufte argues, by better information display on the part of the rocket's engineers), magic tricks, a cholera epidemic in 19th-century London, and the principle of using "the smallest effective difference" to display distinctions in data. Throughout, Tufte presents ideas with crystalline clarity and illustrates them in exquisitely rendered samples.

Customer Reviews:

Many good examples of illustrations.......2007-08-20

Many excellent examples on conveying many types of quantitative data across a wide variety of subjects. The only problem is that, to create most of these, one must be a graphic artist. If one needs to convey highly technical quantitative information, especially to layman, this gives the reader a good idea/perspective of how to explain to graphic artists hired along what general lines an illustration should be made.

What a gem - but not your first design book.......2007-02-15

Tufte's series on visualization will surely go down as classics. He's readable, he's right, and he's engaging.

The only thing is, as pretty and as well-founded the book is in certain principles, it's my opinion that... that the average reader doesn't understand design problems enough that this book will present anything new.

Meaning, the book is so intuitive, that, it seems pointless anyone would ever have to write a beautiful book like this -- *UNLESS* you have been stymied over and over again by mudglobs of creative ad hoc-kery and ad-hoc functionality, or, if you have been victimized by the unfunctional sheen of superglossy animated 3-d search engines (data visualizations, etc).

Here's maybe the test -- if the price tag of this book seems excessive, you haven't been slogging through enough terrible textbooks to see what a light and airy gem of fresh... >sigh < air this book is.

Otherwise - buy the Tufte series all at once, and see if you can't save bucks on the group discount.

Not a text book but a knowledgeable friend.......2005-08-28

Visual Explanations is not a usual book. It is like a knowledgeable friend walking with you through a museum: pointing out good design and bad ideas; linking various domains (graphic design, usability, psychology) together. You learn things slowly, almost by symbiosis. Visual Explanations will be enchanting for people who have the time to read it in that way. It will be frustrating for people looking for a practical guide: This is not a textbook. The book itself is beautifully produced.
Topics covered include: clarity and purpose of information, color scheme choice, and composition of images.

A must-read for anybody with something to tell.......2005-07-25

In this book, an expert of visual explanations uses visual explanations to tell us his ideas how to use visual cues to explain concepts, quantities, timelines etc. Tufte, with his eternal self-confidence and succinct prose gives good examples and shows how a good image can be better; gives bad examples and has no hesitation to call something (even authorities' products) 'ghastly' or 'nightmare'. I think this book is a must for anybody who wants to use visual cues and examples for the ideas they want to convey. That is, everybody, in this time and age of information.

Explaining Quality Visual Information.......2004-09-26

Edward Tufte's book "Visual Explanations: Images and Quantities, Evidence and Narrative" is a 157 page exercise in critical thinking. The author discusses and analyzes visual information, pointing out flaws and strengths of various visual depictions. One becomes more aware of visual information and what constitutes ideal pictorial information.

"Visual Explanations" covers the topics of images and quantities, displaying evidence, pictorial instructions and disinformation, the smallest visual effective difference, repetition and change, multiples, and visual confections. Although the book has little to do with charts and graphs, reading the book makes one aware of all visual information and its ideal presentation. Anyone that works with or uses charts, illustrations, and any visual data will probably find this book useful. The book is richly illustrated with examples.

This book would be great for people that use statistics in their work or make presentations. It teaches people to be a critical thinkers concerning visual information and presentation. Even if you do not agree with Tufte, "Visual Explanations" will make you think about things you otherwise might not have.

Modern Graphics Communication (3rd Edition)

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Modern Graphics Communication (3rd Edition)
Frederick E. Giesecke , Alva Mitchell , Henry C. Spencer , John T. Dygdon , James E. Novak , Ivan Leroy Hill , and Shawna Lockhart
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0131415166

Book Description

This completely rewritten adaptation of Giesecke utilizes an abundance of hands-on activities and clear step-by-step descriptions to teach users freehand sketching and visualization skills for engineering graphics. The eighth edition features reorganized, consolidated coverage of Solid Modeling, new drawing problems, and fully proofed drawings. Other chapter topics include design and graphic communication, introduction to cad and solid modeling, freehand sketching and lettering techniques, geometric construction and modeling basics, multi-view sketching and projection, pictorial sketching, sectional views, dimensioning, and tolerancing, For individuals interested in the fields of technical drawing and engineering graphics.

Artists & Graphic Designers Market 2007 (Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market)

Average customer rating:

Great book for freelance artists
must have
Don't Waste your money.
Best thing I could have ever invested in
Great Resource

Artists & Graphic Designers Market 2007 (Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market)

Manufacturer: Writers Digest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Business of Art | Reference | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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Directories | Catalogs & Directories | Reference | Subjects | Books

Marketing | Promotion | HOWdesign Studio | Specialty Stores | Books

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ASIN: 1582974292

Book Description

More Than 1,900 Markets for Art and Creative Services

*Every listing is updated and 500 are brand new to this edition
*A wide range of markets, including magazines, book publishers, record labels, galleries, art fairs and stock-art firms

Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market has been the creative professional's bible for more than 30 years. This book not only includes hundreds of priceless sales leads--it tells artists and designers exactly how to put these listings to work. There's also a wealth of tips and advice on everything from paying taxes and shipping artwork to copyright basics and self-promotion. It's a one-stop resource for turning creativity into profits!

Customer Reviews:

Great book for freelance artists.......2007-09-24

This is a great book of sources for freelance projects. It has interesting articles and tons of people to contact. You do need to read through carefully to pick publishers who are more likely to need your services.

must have.......2007-08-14

essential to the start-up freelancer or the old pro who wants new contacts for work. I wish they had this when I was starting out...

Don't Waste your money........2007-06-21

Don't waste your money. As an art-rep I think this book is depressing and does not give a complete view of the choices that artists have. I found many mistypes and I believe that their sources are not a good spread of the market. My advice is to get it from the library and explore your options on the web. Just like anything start at the bottom, be nice, willing to learn, and stick to it. It is possible to make it.
-KTB

Best thing I could have ever invested in.......2007-04-03

Full of information and where to submit things. It is really helpful. I'm so glad there is a book out there like this.

Great Resource.......2007-03-09

This book is so inspiring. I have not yet sent any art off to the world, but I feel confident now..before I had no idea how to go about it.

Typographic Design: Form and Communication

Average customer rating:

Typographic Design: Form and Communication
A Text Book?
4th Edition, Updated for digital font coverage and more

Typographic Design: Form and Communication
Rob Carter
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0471783900

Book Description

For more than two decades, the type book of choice for design professionals and students

Typographic design has been a field in constant motion since Gutenberg first invented movable type. Staying abreast of recent developments in the field is imperative for both design professionals and students. Thoroughly updated to maintain its relevancy in today's digital world, Typographic Design: Form and Communication, Fourth Edition continues to provide a compre-hensive overview of every aspect of designing with type, now in full color.

This Fourth Edition of the bestselling text in the field offers detailed coverage of such essential topics as the anatomy of letters and type families, visual communications and design aesthetics, and designing for legibility. Supplementing these essential topics are theoret-ical and structural problem-solving approaches by some of the leading design educators across the United States. Unwrapping the underlying concepts about typographic form and message, Typographic Design, Fourth Edition includes four pictorial timelines that illustrate the evolution of typography and writing within the context of world events - from the origins of writing more than 5,000 years ago to contemporary Web site and electronic page design.

New features include:

Full-color treatment throughout

A new ancillary Web site containing resources for self-learners, students and professors (www.typographicdesign4e.com)

Two new chapters: The Typographic Grid and Typographic Design Process

An updated design education section that includes recent examples of projects assigned by leading design educators

New case studies that showcase design for Web sites and animated typography projects

Case studies detailing examples of visual identification systems, environmental graphics, book and magazine design, Web site design, type in motion, and wayfinding graphics

Updated coverage of digital type technology

Customer Reviews:

Typographic Design: Form and Communication.......2007-09-21

I was impressed to be ableto get this textbook as quick as I did. I needed it right away for school and the campus bookstore didn't even have it. I paid a little more but it was convenient for me.

A Text Book?.......2007-05-06

I am very disappointed by this book. We used it as course book in second year type classes and my students were less than thrilled. We'd switched from the Lupton Thinking With Type book. My question is this: Is this meant to be a textbook or a brief history of typography?

The book is full of the sort of language that belongs in academic journals discussing visual culture. It is too sweeping in its coverage. Nor does the text does not relate to the examples in any sensible way. Too often the text discusses issues then refers to an example without explaining how they are connected.

There is much valuable information in this book but it is buried.

My remedy: I would make this typography textbook. I would get rid of the history section or make it very shorter. The first thing you see are ancient stone tablets and hieroglyphics, very off-putting to any student. The type specimens and type technology are unnecessary. The chapter on legibility is, well, awful. Tell me how type works. (Or, I should shut up and write my own type book!) This book is also poorly designed and lacks a design concept. The cover is especially bad.

Review: Typographic Design: Form and Communication. May 2007

4th Edition, Updated for digital font coverage and more.......2007-03-17

Among the things that Gutenberg invented was the whole idea of type. Since then however, there have been literally thousands of type designs developed. Some have been developed for greater readability, some came about so that a greater density of words could be put on a page, some were designed for a logo that would be unique and recognizable around the world. Today the typography world in in a state of flux greater than ever before as new digital fonts are being designed.

This book is the bestselling book in the field and discusses virtually everything there is to know about type, its uses, the effect that different styles have on the mind, the characteristic of new electronic fonts, screen fonts, laser printer fonts and much more. It is a highly graphic book using pictures to clearly illustrate what creative use of fonts can do to a book, an ad, or a web site.

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