Data-ink encodes values as the share of ink that represents data versus decoration. Edward Tufte, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, 1983.
In reports, ads and assignments it fits auditing slides, dashboards and science figures. Skip it when a poster that must shout from three metres — ads may keep some junk on purpose.
This page gathers anatomy, fit, craft, failure modes and work / ads / school recipes for Data-ink.
Profile
Seven chapters
The idea
Every pixel should earn its keep — Tufte’s test for reports, and a warning against cute ads. History. auditing slides, dashboards and science figures.
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Anatomy
Every pixel should earn its keep — Tufte’s test for reports, and a warning against cute ads. Mark. auditing slides, dashboards and science figures.
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When to use
Every pixel should earn its keep — Tufte’s test for reports, and a warning against cute ads. Fit. auditing slides, dashboards and science figures.
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Craft
Every pixel should earn its keep — Tufte’s test for reports, and a warning against cute ads. Rules. auditing slides, dashboards and science figures.
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Mistakes
Every pixel should earn its keep — Tufte’s test for reports, and a warning against cute ads. Failure modes. auditing slides, dashboards and science figures.
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Studio
Every pixel should earn its keep — Tufte’s test for reports, and a warning against cute ads. Work. auditing slides, dashboards and science figures.
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Tools
Every pixel should earn its keep — Tufte’s test for reports, and a warning against cute ads. Software. auditing slides, dashboards and science figures.
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Frequently asked questions
When should I pick Data-ink?
When should I avoid Data-ink?
Who invented or popularised it?
What does it encode?
Is it OK in ads?
Will a teacher accept it?
Which tool?
How do I keep it accessible?
Related
♿ Accessible viz
If it only works in hue, it does not work — patterns, contrast and text that survive greyscale.
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▮ Bar chart
Compare categories on a shared baseline — the default honest chart for reports, ads and assignments.
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📁 Work reports
The weekly and quarterly pack — bars, waterfalls and tiles that a manager can read in four minutes.
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