edward tufte: key take aways

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Presenting Data and Information Edward Tufte Key Take Aways Seth J. Gillespie, Ph.D.

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Presenting Data and InformationEdward Tufte Key Take Aways

Seth J. Gillespie, Ph.D.

Value Proposition❖ Presenting data and information can be exciting, engaging,

stimulating and thought provoking❖ Data and information can be smartly summarized resulting in

powerful memory and understanding

“Powerful and information-dense graphics (shown) seems to have been lost in recent years in particular, the dumbing down of complex information into unending slide-decks.” — Edward Tufte

Keys for Success❖ Data is diplomatic and avoids person bias

❖ Numbers and words are great descriptors; no need for extra graphics or tables

❖ Flat, adjacent space engages the audience

❖ Avoid “time stacking” or “slide building”

❖ If tables or graphics must be used the smaller and simpler the better

Keys for Success❖ Limit introduction and conclusion to text

❖ Avoid un-needed graphics

❖ Think complex, “speak” simple

More Effective Meetings❖ Distribute “pre-read” attachments at, or prior to

meeting

❖ Allow for reading time; we can talk at around 100 WPM, but we can read at around 500 WPM

❖ Meeting leaders should take critical notes, cultivate respect and acknowledge limitations

❖ If a meeting doesn’t have an agenda, it’s automatically less important

More Effective Meetings❖ Consider 11x17 handouts which can contain 4 times

more information than a normal printout

❖ Summarize information, start first with the most important agenda items

❖ Effective materials are “flat” and avoid time and space stacking, i.e. there should be no build up

❖ Consider: what’s the problem, what’s the agreed solution, and why do people care?

Powerful Encounters❖ Come prepared and open-minded

❖ Have a list, and include historic information if needed

❖ Don’t be premature diagnose

❖ Summarize agreements made

❖ Avoid using “mental” lists and recollections

Data Density❖ Look at the typical road map or news paper; these convey both

an abundance of information and pleasing white spaces

❖ Links to more detailed or referenced information are encouraged

❖ If possible show cause and effect

❖ “Annotate” diagrams, lines and even paragraphs of text

❖ One page status reports are opportunities to display complex information to team members

❖ Use lines to “link” information; but avoid stark shadessimple and elegant

Image Repetition and Variation❖ Convey complex concepts through image

repetition and variation within a single graphic

Tips❖ Avoid dramatic art that has no purpose or “data” value

❖ Avoid dark lines and harsh contrasting colors

❖ When in doubt keep information clean

❖ If boxes are needed, use gray

❖ Don't forget white space

Project Management Charts

Emphasis on Work Streams and Information Summarization

goo.gl/YN2XZB

Density

Thank you for reading my notesand key take-aways!

AboutDr. Gillespie is a popular educator, speaker, lecturer and subject matter expert in the field of IT Management, Project Management, Risk Management, Organizational Management, and large-scale Information Technology infrastructure projects, programs and portfolios, possessing over 20 years of real-world experience. In addition to speaking engagements, he has participated as a noted exam writer for numerous CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) and PMI (Project Management Institute) certifications.

Gillespie earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Organization and Management, specializing in Information Technology Management, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Technology Management, a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and a Minor in Economics. In addition he holds PMP® (Project Management Professional), PMI-ACP® (Agile Certified Practitioner), CSM® (Certified ScrumMaster), ITIL® (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) and CISSP® (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) credentials.

In his free time, Gillespie enjoys traveling and assisting in social justice causes benefiting under-served groups worldwide.

Visit the Author’s Website: books.sethgillespie.com

Author’s Blog: blog.sethgillespie.com

LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/sethgillespie

Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/sg_phd

Books by Dr. Gillespie

books.sethgillespie.com