Re: Never lead with a graphic

["John Posada" <jposada99 -at- gmail -dot- com>]

Doesn't matter. When I see any graphic, I need the context of that graphic.
You know exactly what it's for. Some others can probably guess in a few
seconds. Some may need help. It is for them that you include the context.

On 7/8/08, Rebecca Hopkins <rebecca_hopkins -at- comcast -dot- net> wrote:
>
> John,
>
> The graphic represents the functionality at a very basic level - the big
> picture. The explanation is the detail the graphic does not express. It is
> the most important thing, because it is the starting point. If they don't
> understand why they are being presented with the graphic, then the graphic
> needs improvement, not the text.
>
> This graphic is like a bus map. First you want to see the map that shows
> where the bus goes, then you want to see the text schedule that lists when
> the bus stops at your location. If I tell you that the 57 stops at here at
> 3:45, you'll say so what? If you see the map first, you'll know that you can
> take the 57 to Packard's Corner - if that's where you want to go, now you
> care when it stops here.
>
> Does that make sense?
>
> I think that's what Edward Tufte would say. (Thanks, Voxwoman!) I think
> that's the argument I'll use with my boss.
>
>


-- 
John Posada
Senior Technical Writer
NYMetro STC President

'Half this game is ninety percent mental.'
     -- Danny Ozark, Philadelphia Phillies manager
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