Functional Aesthetics for Data Visualization

This is a visually engaging book with a blend of interdisciplinary ideas for creating data-created interfaces, such as interactive dashboards and visualizations. We refer to this collection of principles as Functional Aesthetics based on cognitive psychology, design, information retrieval, and visualization to explore ways in which information can be presented to humans that is both meaningful and delightful. Supported heavily by practical examples and research, the book showcases how functional aesthetics makes data easier to see and understand. Key topics include: Visual perception including color, movement, and design The importance of semantics and how they are employed as a way to express meaning in visual artifacts Data visualization linguistics The influence of culture and language on semantics What is the intent for seeing and understanding a dataset and how is that intent expressed visually and analytically Bringing together all of the pieces to work with chart sizing for specific views, layout with consideration for order  and reading patterns, movement and interaction, visual flow Innovation and whats next in AI and smart interfaces