Introduction to Information Visualization

A picture is worth a thousand words. Or perhaps more precisely: a well-constructed graphical representation is worth a thousand words. A poorly constructed visualization, however, can be a disaster. Benoît (computer science, UC Berkeley) has written a well-organized, informative monograph of just over 200 pages on visualizing information. Benoît begins with explanations and illustrations of the terminology used in the book before moving on to present the book’s philosophy in a chapter intriguingly titled “The Ethics/Aesthetics of Information.” The subsequent chapters lead us from the concepts of visualization to the organization of data and the application of web-based tools that are available to assist in visualization construction. Benoît then elaborates on the richness of the web-based visualization tools and reflects on the roles these tools play in presenting effective visualizations; several examples are discussed. A companion website provides design labs to facilitate hands-on practice, as well as updated examples. Each chapter has its own set of references, and the monograph has a thorough index. * Choice Reviews *As a textbook for an introductory course on information visualization, the book provides an insightful perspective on information visualization—its communicative nature, which naturally draws our attention to factors that we should bear in mind when we approach the design of information visualization. The emphasis on hands-on experience is practical for students who wish to incorporate various design principles in their own projects. In short, I would highly recommend this easy-to-read, engaging, and thought-provoking book either as your first introduction to information visualization or as a refresher with an intriguing perspective. * Journal Of Education For Library and Information Science *Benoît’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. Benoît’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 AugustaBenoît 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 FloridaThis 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

Gerald Benoît, Ph.D., teaches across a range of interrelated topics - information science, computer science, programming, web design, systems analysis, visual communication, and information visualization. He teaches data science courses for UC Berkeley’s Data Science program. Before joining UC Berkeley, Prof. Benoît was a faculty member at Simmons College for fifteen years, teaching in the information science and computer science programs. There he taught at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Prof. Benoît’s background includes training in graphic arts and production, at one time art director and partner in the advertising firm Imada, Wong, Park, + Benoît (continues as IW Group), and as an information scientist writing on human-computer interaction, information visualization and aesthetics, communications theory, and language models in search engine design. Prof. Benoît has been an invited lecturer at Harvard University, the University of Rhode Island, Simmons College, and elsewhere to lecture on the opportunities of visualization in business, as a service, and professional education.