Introduction to Information Visualization: Transforming Data into Meaningful Information is for anyone interested in the art and science of communicating data to others. It shows readers how to transform data into something meaningful - information.
Applying information visualization in research, service, teaching, and professional life requires a solid understanding of graphic design and the aesthetic along with hands-on skills and knowledge of data principles and software. This book is applicable to students in all domains, to researchers who need to understand how to create graphics that explain their data, and to professionals and administrators for professional development training. Website Designers and Human-Computer Interaction researchers will appreciate the backstory of designing interactive visualizations for the web.
Drawing on the author's years of practice and teaching, it bridges the two worlds in ways everyone can participate in the future of information and to appreciate the beautiful in information:
- Step-by-step directions in the fundamentals of HTML5, CSS, and d3.js
- Design challenges with fully explained answers
- Web-site support for code samples (JavaScript, d3.js, python), live examples, and a place to build a community of other IV pros
- Useful for teaching design to scientists; data to the humanities
- Guidance for using the text depending on the class makeup
- Review of third-party visualization software, big data trends, and script libraries
- Guidance on how to continue in the IV world after graduation
This full-color book features graphics and a companion Web site.
The online companion site hosts living examples, updates, and errata. You're invited to participate on the site, too, sharing your questions, solutions, and ideas. For most readings, there is a partner design lab. At the conclusion of the course, there is a complete interactive information visualization service documentation for libraries.
Industry Reviews
Benoit's book is breath of fresh air, providing an equal platform between fine art and science, closing a gap not found in other information visualization textbooks. Benoit's expertise in the field brings out the aesthetic and artistic side of InfoViz without compromising the science side of data. The beauty lies in the real-life examples and on-hands, experiential approach to the field. -- Anastasia S. Varnalis-Weigle, Assistant Professor, Information and Library Science, University of Maine at Augusta
Benoit successfully covers a range of intersecting topics in information visualization, from the technical to the aesthetic. He brings clarity to this complex space using a number of well-selected examples, and his interdisciplinary approach makes it accessible to a range of students and professionals.
-- James E. Andrews, Director, School of Information, University of South Florida
This book is an original voice from an expert in information visualization. By building on easy-to-learn skills, it combines basics of web development with knowledge of information visualization and gives simple tips to improve visual aesthetics through the design. Practical tools introduced in the book allow a hands-on experience. I highly recommend this book as a DIY for any one interested in the field. -- Banafsheh Asadi, School of Information Studies, McGill University
