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GRAPHICS Graphics, defined here as information graphics, identity, and maps, require design in its most direct form. There is no (direct) selling, or story telling. There is visual communication, pure and simple, though that simplicity is almost never easy. The creation of a visual personality requires the understanding of a great deal and the communication of very little. Of course it has to be exactly the RIGHT very little. Identity design is an art of discernment, distillation, and creativity. Color theory, drawing, typography, and computer skills are only tools. Ideas are the true currency.
Charts, graphs, and tables are powerful ways to communicate. They can add a great deal of visual interest, but unless they accurately express pertinent information they become confusing distractions.
Click on image for a larger version. Today, graphic information systems, which incorporate sound design principles, make the production of useful and attractive mapping relatively easy. Putting maps into our hands or on our computer screens, however, still requires design decisions. If those decisions are not thoughtful, knowledgeable and creative, even the best system cannot produce a good map. There also remains much work to be done to incorporate interpretive mapping as an element in story telling.
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