Darjan Hil Nicole Lachenmeier
Visualizing Complexity
Modular Information Design Handbook
Birkhäuser Basel
Contents
6 8 11
Preface How the book is structured The MID system
1 Data dimensions
15 17
1A From text to data 1B From data to data cube
31
41
2 Diagrammatical dimensions
43 59 67
2A Quantity 2B Position 2C Relationship
77 79 87 97 107 115 123
3 Visual dimensions 3A 3B 3C 3D 3E 3F
Color Shape Line Pattern Contour Isotype
133 135 147
154
4 Structuring dimensions 4A Structuring by sorting 4B Structuring by grouping
5 The variety of multidimensional visualizations
156
Overview of all 80 elements
158
How the MID system works
160
Mapping four data dimensions — instructions
162
How sorting works
164
26 multidimensional visualizations
217 218 220
6 Appendix
The authors Further reading, sources, and tools
Preface
The title of this book, “Visualizing Complexity”, contains the word complexity, a frequently used term, which quite fittingly describes current thinking. We live in a time when, thanks to computers and an infinite amount of information, people are doing more and more tasks at the same time, taking on different roles and switching very quickly between subjects. In this context, we understand complexity to mean that an issue is impacted by many factors, all of them interwoven, and is obscure and difficult to grasp. But why visualize complexity? Quite simply because we firmly believe that many a seemingly complex issue can be better processed when it is externalized visually and can be viewed from some distance. Initially, it is not about the quality of the visualization, but simply about the process of getting something out of one’s head onto the page (digital or analog) and thereby making it communicable. In the context of this book, we understand issues to be data as a general concept. Whether we are dealing with text or numbers, in our opinion both are raw material, i.e. a data set to be processed. Both can be considered in terms of quantity or quality, and can be processed visually. In this context it is important to be aware that any consideration of an issue assumes a certain perspective and tells an associated story. For each set of data there are various approaches and perspectives. Therein lies the complexity mentioned above. The aim is not to simplify the complexity, but to enable the reader to skilfully navigate through the different perspectives of the topic. To facilitate this navigation, we have developed a method called modular information design; MID for short. In this system, all elements, the smallest units of the system, are made combinable in modules similar to the periodic table system employed in chem istry. It is important to note that in order to facilitate simplified orientation in the MID system, elements are grouped into higherlevel dimensions. Dimensions are units used to organize elements at a certain level.
6
This book is the result of ten years of practical experience in which we enjoyed experimenting and carried out analysis work with the aim of making the little known — to date — but demanding interface discipline of information design more accessible through straight forward principles. We are convinced that visualization as a general problem-solving approach helps to create greater transparency and enables wider participation and better decision-making. In addi tion, people tend to prefer seeing and reading attractively presented text and figures — and understand them better — than the usual pre sentations with their standard diagrams. We want to demonstrate that the world of information design has many beautiful facets. We therefore dare — in an unconventional way — to make connections between disciplines and issues where before there were no obvious ones, the objective being to increase interdisciplinary understanding. This book is intended to be a source of inspiration to all those who work with figures so that they may see data from a new per spective and are able to explore design options for the communica tion of information. For designers, this handbook can make figures more accessible, and thereby open up new design opportunities for the presentation of information. Generally speaking, we want to convey the joy of working correctly, but also creatively, with text and figures, and we want to motivate people to start their own visual ization of complexity. For this it is not necessary to have special talent, or a computer, or special training — but instead a pen and paper, an interest, and a willingness to experiment. We hope that you will enjoy working with this handbook and wish you every success. Darjan Hil and Nicole Lachenmeier
7
How the book is structured
This book is structured visually and subdivided into color-coded sections. The first four sections convey the necessary basic understanding and form the basis for the examples of multidimensional visualizations found in the fifth section. It is important to know that the book does not have to be read from front to back, but can be skimmed for inspiration. The structure of the ex amples can easily be decoded at the end of the book, and details can be checked in the earlier sections.
Yellow section
In the yellow section, the structure of a double page consists of a data set, an explanation, a title, and an abstract icon as the representa tion of the principle explained therein. The yellow section, as well as the entire book, only uses a single small data set that describes a fictitious family history.
Blue, red, green sections
In the blue, red, and green sections, the ele ments of the modular information design are ex plained on a single page each. An abstract icon represents each principle, which is supple mented by an element title and an element ID. In this way, the elements can be traced through out the entire book. A simple example in the bottom left-hand corner and a short explanation gives each element a context for practical application.
Example section
In this section, each example of data select ed from the data set is combined on one page with the elements presented, thus creating a multidimensional visualization example. Each page consists of a listing of the data dimensions used and the used elements as icons with the element ID. Step by step, the structure becomes clear with the help of an accurate legend and a descriptive title, as well as a short highlighted text with the specific findings for telling the story from the diagram.
8
Explanation
Data set
Title
Icon
Simple example
Element–ID
Descriptive title
Legend Highlight
9
The MID system
The construction of the visualizations in this book is based on a system. We understand the term system to mean that a number of different components, together with certain principles, form a whole. When applying the principle of deliberately selecting ele ments from the modular system and combining them with different dimensions to create a new visualization, we speak of modular information design. The MID system consists of four higher-level modules: the data dimensions (yellow), the diagrammatical dimensions (blue), the visual dimensions (red), and the structuring dimensions (green). Together, the last three dimensions form 80 distinctly identifiable elements. The idea behind the MID system is that by combining a data set with selected elements of the three groups, a large number of multidimensional visualizations can be designed. Using a simple framework, it is possible to encode not only all known diagram types but also a nearly infinite number of new visualizations. This system can be understood as a visual algorithm. But likewise, it is also possible to use MID to analyze and decode existing visualiza tions. Multidimensional information design does not depend on specific tools. It is possible to use pen and paper and a wide range of different software tools. The fifth chapter contains step-by-step instructions.
11
1 Data dimensions What do we need to know about a data set in order to be able to decide which data dimensions should be used for the visualization? Do we already at this stage need analyses or statistics methods to answer this question? Is it possible to look neutrally at a data set whilst observing a certain distance? Are there intermediate stagesat which visual patterns can be detected in the data set or in the different dimensions of the data set? In this chapter we illustrate approaches that answer these and other similar questions and demonstrate a flowing transition from analysis to visualization. Regarding the conceptual consideration of a data set from its possible access points, a fundamentally open attitude is required. This makes it possible to engage in interdisciplinary cooperation and communication on equal terms.
15
2C Relationship
The representation of relationships shows the connections between several points following a certain logic. Relationships can be represented as networks, hierarchically, and also nested. In all cases, the specific content determines the form of representation.
67
Network Non-hierarchical
2C.1 Relationship
Family
The network without a hierarchical structure (direction) is the basic diagram used to represent relationships. It is based on the principle that elements (nodes) can be connected to each other by edges (connections). A quantity can be represented using the number of connections. Furthermore, the length of the connecting line can be significant. Networks are used in a wide range of fields; how ever, sometimes — beyond a certain quantity of data — they are no longer clearly readable.
1 dot = 1 person
68
Network Hierarchical
2C.2 Relationship
Family
A hierarchical network is either nested or features a relationship sequence. The principle is very similar to that of 2C.1; the difference is, that here, there is a higher-level structure, possibly also a specific direction of reading. A family tree is an example of a type of diagram with a non-directional hier archy. When the lines indicate a direction (with an arrow), the hierarchy is shown to also indicate a process.
1 dot = 1 person
69
Network Linear
2C.3 Relationship
Family
A network presented in linear form contains all points on an axis, similar to a scale (2B.1). This opens up further possibilities for using the space differently and reordering the connections (nodes). Here too, it is possible to create applications with a fixed hierarchy or sequence. Overlaying lines indicate clusters.
1 dot = 1 person
70
Network Circular
2C.4 Relationship
Family
A network represented in a circle shows the relationships of a closed group. In this case the points (nodes) are placed on a circular line. Similar to the linear network (2C.3), clusters of connecting lines become apparent. In the case of a directional representation, it is also possible to represent two-way movements in the system.
1 dot = 1 person
71
Nesting Intersection sets
2C.5 Relationship
Family
Wagner
It is also possible to represent relationships without connecting lines in a defined space. In accordance with the basic rules of mathematical set theory, it is possible to form intersection sets, sub sets, and connection sets. In the example, the different levels and overlaps show specific information.
Brown
1 dot = 1 person
72
Nesting Stacking
2C.6 Relationship
Place of birth Family Paris W
Vienna
When relationships seem to indicate a hierarchical structure, but have no connecting lines (2C.2), stacking is a suitable form of representation; structures become clearly visible and have more detailed information at each level of this nesting.
London
W B
B
1 dot = 1 person
73
Tower Age as line length with line break, sorted by age, stacked on linear axis and grouped mirrored by relocation.
Otto (23) Hermann Jr. (52)
James (65) Marie Jr. (78) Relocated Not relocated
Marie (72)
Anna (83)
Emma (85)
Hermann (90)
Paul (97)
Elisabeth (99)
On average, the people who relocated lived to an older age than those who did not relocate. 170
Example 4
Age 2A.3
20 mm = 10 years 1 line = 25 years
Family
Gender
Home town
3C.1
3C.3
3C.7
Wagner Brown
Female Male
London Munich Paris
Relocation 4A.8
4B.4
Sorted by age
Grouped by relocation
Elements used 2A.3 3C.1 3C.3 3C.7 4A.8 4B.4
Quantity. Line length with line break Line. Color Line. Interruption Line. Detail. Beginning or end Sorting. Linear axis. Stacked Grouping. Mirroring 171
Vienna
Domino Age as countable line length with line break, sorted by age on linear axis with line break.
Otto (23) Hermann Jr. (52)
James (65)
Marie (72)
Marie Jr. (78) Anna (83)
Emma (85)
Hermann (90)
Paul (97) Elisabeth (99)
The three people who died at the youngest ages were all men. 172
Example 5
Age 2A.4
1 dot = 5 years ½ dot = 2 ½ years
Family
Gender
Relocation
3A.1
3E.2
3E.3
Wagner Brown
Female Male
Yes No
4A.2
Sorted by age
Elements used 2A.4 Quantity. Line length. Countable with line break 3A.1 Color. Basic colors 3E.2 Contour. Interruption 3E.3 Contour. Thickness 4A.2 Sorting. Linear axis with line break 173
Firework Age as a countable area, sorted radially by age evenly distributed and arranged freely without axis or point. Generation as area.
Otto (23) James (65)
Marie (72)
Hermann Jr. (52)
Marie Jr. (78)
Emma (85)
Anna (83)
Hermann (90)
Paul (97)
Elisabeth (99)
There are more Wagners than Browns. 174
Example 6
Generation
Age
2A.5
2A.6
S = 1st M = 2nd L = 3rd
1 line = 5 years
Family
Gender
Relocation
3C.1
3C.7
3A.2 3F.5
Wagner Brown
Female Male
4A.4
4A.9
Age
Sorted free without axis or point
Yes No
Elements used 2A.5 2A.6 3C.1 3C.7 3F.5 4A.4 4A.9
Quantity. Area size Quantity. Area size. Countable Line. Color Line. Detail. Beginning or end Isotype. Background / Foreground Sorting. Radially at an angle Sorting. Free without axis or point 175
Publication details
Concept and content
Darjan Hil, Nicole Lachenmeier
Layout and design Nicole Lachenmeier
Typesetting
Superdot • visualizing complexity
Translation from German into English
Hartwin Busch
Copyediting Patricia Kot
Project management Baharak Tajbakhsh, Freya Mohr
Production
Amelie Solbrig, Heike Strempel
Paper
Juwel Offset
Printing
Eberl & Kœsel GmbH & Co. KG Library of Congress Control Number: 2021953442
right. All rights are reserved, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, re-use of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in other ways, and storage in databases. For any kind of use, permission of the copyright owner must be obtained. ISBN 978-3-0356-2504-2 e-ISBN (PDF) 978-3-0356-2506-6 German Print-ISBN 978-3-0356-2505-9 © 2022 Birkhäuser Verlag GmbH, Basel P.O. Box 44, 4009 Basel, Switzerland Part of Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin / Boston 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 www.birkhauser.com
Bibliographic information published by the German National Library. The German National Library lists this publication in the Deutsche Nationalbibliografie; detailed bibliographic data are available on the Internet at http://dnb.dnb.de. This work is subject to copy223