Xref: utzoo alt.hypertext:800 comp.cog-eng:1911 comp.graphics:17014 comp.multimedia:266 comp.software-eng:5225
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!linac!att!ucbvax!agate!garnet.berkeley.edu!thom
From: thom@garnet.berkeley.edu (Thom Gillespie)
Newsgroups: alt.hypertext,comp.cog-eng,comp.graphics,comp.multimedia,comp.software-eng
Subject: Re: Images vs. Text
Message-ID: <1991Apr3.031616.24515@agate.berkeley.edu>
Date: 3 Apr 91 03:16:16 GMT
References: <10292@pitt.UUCP> <1991Apr2.180348.19733@smsc.sony.com> <1991Apr02.235121.17834@convex.com>
Sender: usenet@agate.berkeley.edu (USENET Administrator)
Distribution: na
Organization: University of California, Berkeley
Lines: 17

Nothing is worse for understanding a complex issue than the issue described in
terms of icons or pictures only.

Nothing is worse for understanding a complex issue than the issue described in
terms of words only.

But pictures and words? and maybe sound? Now that can convey meaning. TV,
Movies, most good magazines and books, spreadsheets with labels, everything
written by E.R. Tufte. 

We aren't talking research here, we are talking common sense -- I realize that
sort of approach is considered antathama sit in some circles but it does save a
lot of time. Check out most of what Roger N. Shepard , Arnheim, McKim, DuChamp,
etc have to say. It's all there. Might also check out Aaron's Code and consider the difference between a meaning generator and a meaning communicator. It's the
difference between falling asleep in class and staying awake.

--Thom Gillespie