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Unlike any time before in our lives, we have access to vast amounts of free information. With the right tools, we can start to make sense of all this data to see patterns and trends that would otherwise be invisible to us. By transforming numbers into graphical shapes, we allow readers to understand the stories those numbers hide. In this practical introduction to understanding and using information graphics, youll learn how to use data visualizations as tools to see beyond lists of numbers and variables and achieve new insights into the complex world around us. Regardless of the kind of data youre working withbusiness, science, politics, sports, or even your own personal financesthis book will show you how to use statistical charts, maps, and explanation diagrams to spot the stories in the data and learn new things from it. Youll also get to peek into the creative process of some of the worlds most talented designers and visual journalists, including Cond Nast Travelers John Grimwade, National Geographic Magazines Fernando Baptista, The New York Times Steve Duenes, The Washington Posts Hannah Fairfield, Hans Rosling of the Gapminder Foundation, Stanfords Geoff McGhee, and European superstars Moritz Stefaner, Jan Willem Tulp, Stefanie Posavec, and Gregor Aisch. The book also includes a DVD-ROM containing over 90 minutes of video lessons that expand on core concepts explained within the book and includes even more inspirational information graphics from the worlds leading designers. The first book to offer a broad, hands-on introduction to information graphics and visualization, The Functional Art reveals: Why data visualization should be thought of as functional art rather than fine art How to use color, type, and other graphic tools to make your information graphics more effective, not just better looking The science of how our brains perceive and remember information Best practices for creating interactive information graphics A comprehensive look at the creative process behind successful information graphics An extensive gallery of inspirational work from the worlds top designers and visual artists On the DVD-ROM: In this introductory video course on information graphics, Alberto Cairo goes into greater detail with even more visual examples of how to create effective information graphics that function as practical tools for aiding perception. Youll learn how to: incorporate basic design principles in your visualizations, create simple interfaces for interactive graphics, and choose the appropriate type of graphic forms for your data. Cairo also deconstructs successful information graphics from The New York Times and National Geographic magazine with sketches and images not shown in the book.