Books
We will refer to a number of books over the course of the semester.
You will not need to purchase any books for this class. The required readings will be provided online. Of course, you might want to buy some of the books if you want to support the authors, read beyond what is required for class, or like owning physical books.
Again, if you like what you read in the chapters, please support the authors by buying books. If readers stop buying books, authors will stop writing them.
You may notice that most of these books do not have much “practical” stuff (like how to program visualizations, or how to use some tool). These kinds of topics change quickly, so books tend to be out of date by the time I find them. Also, the best resources for these kinds of things tend to be online.
The UW library has online copies of some of the books. We will provide you with links to the library (as well as more convenient access).
For other books: We will provide a limited number of chapters of these books to you under academic fair use. These chapters will be provided in Canvas. Please do not share them outside of class as academic fair use is only for required class use. Because of the limitations of academic fair use, we can only provide a portion of the book.
The key books… (with links to my commentary - which I recommend that you read)
Tamara Munzner’s Visualization Visualization Analysis and Design: Munzner's Book. This is the closest thing to a “primary textbook” for the class. The course shares a similar philosophy to the book, and we’ll read most of the chapters. The UW library has electronic copies, so you do not need to buy it. The chapters will be linked when you need to read them.
Alberto Cairo’s books The Truthful Art and The Functional Art: Cairo's Books. Alberto Cairo is a designer and journalist who has become a visualization educator. He has written some excellent books on visualization. We will use excerpts from his books in class. I provide will provide the required chapters under academic fair use.
Colin Ware’s Visual Thinking for Information Design Ware's Book. A great book that connects perception to design (especially for visualization). This is available from UW library online. The chapters will be linked when you need to read them.
Tufte. Tufte's Books. Edward Tufte is an important character in the history of visualization. I discuss his books at Tufte's Books. We’ll read some, but with caution (and other readings to help understand them). I’ll provide chapters.
Books about graphic Design. Graphic Design Books You will probably want to read some about graphic design, I have some recommendations (Graphic Design Books). I’ll provide chapters.
Other Books of Note
- We will not read any of Jacques Bertin’s books for class. But you should know about them Bertin's Books.