Name: The simple genius of a good graphic
Uploaded: 2018-09-24T14:46:11Z
Duration: 5 min 47 s
Description: In a talk that's part history lesson, part love letter to graphics, information designer Tommy McCall traces the centuries-long evolution of charts and diagrams -- and shows how complex data can be sculpted into beautiful shapes. "Graphics that help us think faster, or see a book's worth of information on a single page, are the key to unlocking new discoveries," McCall says.

Tommy McCall: The simple genius of a good graphic

The simple genius of a good graphic

In a talk that's part history lesson, part love letter to graphics, information designer Tommy McCall traces the centuries-long evolution of charts and diagrams -- and shows how complex data can be sculpted into beautiful shapes. "Graphics that help us think faster, or see a book's worth of information on a single page, are the key to unlocking new discoveries," McCall says.

Visual communication has rapidly evolved, yet the ability to read and create graphics is just beginning to grow. From the first bar chart in 1786 to diagrams that condense 25,000 data points onto a single page, clear visuals help people see patterns and stories others might miss. Simple design choices, like a dot on a stock chart, can revolutionize how decisions are made. As more data floods in, mastering graphicacy will unlock new ways of thinking and discovering.