tufte course on analytical design theory

Edward Tufte just announced an experimental two-day course on the theory of analytical design. The content of the course will follow the structure of his four books, listed below. There is homework to do ahead of time and Tufte is offering office hours. $720 gets you the four books below and tuition for Thursday–Friday 12–13 July 2007. Class will be in Palo Alto, Calif. Food and lodging is on your own.

If anyone else is interested in going, let me know. Maybe we can work on the homework together.

The Visual Display of Quantitative Information

1. Graphical Excellence
2. Graphical Integrity
3. Sources of Graphical Integrity and Sophistication
4. Data-Ink and Graphical Redesign
5. Chartjunk: Vibrations, Grids, and Ducks
6. Data-Ink Maximization and Graphical Design
7. Multifunctioning Graphical Elements
8. Data Density and Small Multiples
9. Aesthetics and Technique in Graphical Design

Envisioning Information

1. Escaping Flatland
2. Micro/Macro Readings
3. Layering and Separation
4. Small Multiples
5. Color and Information
6. Narratives of Space and Time

Visual Explanations

1. Images and Quantities
2. Visual and Statistical Thinking: Displays of Evidence for Making Decisions
3. Explaining Magic: Pictorial Illustrations and Disinformation Design
4. The Smallest Effective Difference
5. Parallelism: Repetition and Change, Comparison and Surprise
6. Multiples in Space and Time
7. Visual Confections: Juxtapositions from the Ocean of the Streams Of Story

Beautiful Evidence

1. Mapped Pictures: Images as Evidence and Explanation
2. Sparklines: Intense, Simple Word-Sized Graphics
3. Links and Causal Arrows: Ambiguity in Action
4. Words, Numbers, Images — Together
5. The Fundamental Principles of Analytical Design
6. Corruption in Evidence Presentation: A Consumer's Guide to Effects Without Causes, Cherry Picking, Overreaching, Chartjunk, and the Rage to Conclude
7. The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint: Pitching Out Corrupts Within
8. Sculptural Pedestals: Meaning, Practice, Depedestalization
9. Landscape Sculptures