Visualisation is an essential tool for understanding complex information and communicating it effectively. Whether you're a data scientist, designer, or simply someone who wants to make sense of the world around you, mastering visualisation techniques can unlock new insights and create compelling narratives. Today, we present a curated selection of books on visualisation, chosen to highlight a diverse range of approaches and styles.
These books represent a wide spectrum of visualisation practices, ranging from the principles of data visualisation to the power of creative visualisation. Some focus on practical techniques for creating engaging dashboards and infographics, while others explore the philosophical and artistic dimensions of data representation. These books on visualisation are a testament to the transformative power of visual communication, and we hope this list will inspire you to explore the endless possibilities of this dynamic field.
Table of Contents
1. Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life by Shakti Gawain
In 'Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life', Shakti Gawain presents a deep dive into a captivating topic, offering structured insights and key takeaways. Published by New World Library in 2010, the book explores the power of creative visualization, emphasizing the importance of using imagination to manifest desired outcomes. Gawain guides readers through techniques for setting intentions, focusing on positive affirmations, and visualizing their goals as already achieved. This approach aims to tap into the subconscious mind's ability to attract and create reality, ultimately empowering individuals to shape their lives and achieve their dreams.
Who should read Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life?
- Individuals seeking personal growth and self-improvement.
- People interested in exploring the power of the mind.
- Those looking for practical techniques to manifest their goals.
- Individuals seeking inspiration and motivation.
Lesson learned
The book emphasizes that by harnessing the power of imagination and visualization, individuals can influence their realities and achieve their desired outcomes. The key takeaway is that aligning thoughts, feelings, and actions with desired goals, through the practice of creative visualization, can contribute to manifesting a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
Price- $25.99 for hardcover
- $9.99 for kindle
2. Information Dashboard Design: Displaying Data for At-a-Glance Monitoring by Stephen Few
Offering a fresh perspective, Stephen Few delivers an expertly crafted narrative in 'Information Dashboard Design: Displaying Data for At-a-Glance Monitoring'. Published by Analytics Press in 2013, the book delves into the intricacies of dashboard design, highlighting the importance of clear, concise communication through visual representation. Few argues that effective dashboards leverage the power of visual perception to convey complex information efficiently and effectively, emphasizing the need for a well-designed approach rooted in brain science and user-centric principles. Through practical examples and detailed insights, the book provides a comprehensive guide to designing dashboards that effectively communicate data, enabling informed decision-making.
Who should read Information Dashboard Design: Displaying Data for At-a-Glance Monitoring?
- Data analysts
- Business intelligence professionals
- Data visualization designers
- Anyone involved in creating and interpreting dashboards
- $7.14 - $19.67 for hardcover
3. Information Graphics by Sandra Rendgen
Contributor: Julius Wiedemann(Editor)
Published by Taschen America Llc in 2012, 'Information Graphics' by Sandra Rendgen, Julius Wiedemann analyzes books on visualisation, which is essential for understanding the broader story. The book delves into the history and practice of communicating information visually, showcasing a diverse range of contemporary information graphics projects. It explores the evolution of data visualization, from early cave paintings to modern infographics, providing insights into the methods and objectives behind effective data representation. The book emphasizes the power of visual communication to convey complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in design, data analysis, or storytelling with data.
Who should read Information Graphics?
- Graphic designers
- Data visualization enthusiasts
- Anyone interested in the history of visual communication
- Students or professionals in fields like journalism, marketing, or education
4. Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
The work 'Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals' provokes thought by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, delving into the core ideas surrounding 'books on visualisation'. Published by Wiley in 2015, the book champions the use of data visualization as a powerful storytelling tool, guiding readers through practical techniques for transforming data into compelling narratives. It challenges conventional approaches to data representation, encouraging the creation of engaging and impactful visual stories that effectively communicate insights and resonate with audiences. This book emphasizes the importance of understanding data, identifying key narratives, and choosing the right visual tools to present information in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.
Who should read Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals?
- Business professionals
- Data analysts
- Marketing professionals
- Anyone seeking to improve their data communication skills
5. Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design, Visualization, and Statistics by Nathan Yau
In 'Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design, Visualization, and Statistics', Nathan Yau presents a deep dive into a captivating topic, offering structured insights and key takeaways. Published by John Wiley & Sons Inc in 2011, the book guides readers through the process of transforming data into visually engaging and informative narratives. Yau emphasizes the importance of effectively gathering, parsing, and formatting data before creating compelling graphics. He provides practical step-by-step tutorials, empowering readers to design high-quality visualisations that reveal patterns, outliers, and relationships within complex datasets, ultimately helping them tell compelling stories with data.
6. Data Points: Visualization That Means Something by Nathan Yau
A detailed exploration awaits in Nathan Yau's 'Data Points: Visualization That Means Something', where important concepts are laid out in an accessible yet informative way. Published by Wiley in 2013, the book delves into the world of data visualization, drawing inspiration from various disciplines like art, design, business, statistics, and online media. Yau delves into both conventional and unconventional approaches to visualising data, highlighting the importance of creating graphics that not only present information effectively but also leave a lasting impact on the viewer. By examining diverse examples, the book emphasizes the power of visual storytelling and its ability to communicate complex data in a clear, engaging, and memorable manner.
Who should read Data Points: Visualization That Means Something?
- Data visualization enthusiasts
- Graphic designers
- Anyone interested in the intersection of data and design
- Students or professionals working with data in various fields
7. Data Visualization: Representing Information on Modern Web by Andy Kirk, Simon Timms, Ændrew Rininsland
Published by Packt Publishing in 2016, 'Data Visualization: Representing Information on Modern Web' by Andy Kirk, Simon Timms, Ændrew Rininsland is a thought-provoking read that offers a thorough understanding of its key topics. The book delves into the world of data visualization, specifically focusing on how to create interactive and engaging visualizations for the web. It guides readers through a comprehensive process of designing and developing visualizations, from understanding data analysis and identifying key visual characteristics to leveraging the power of HTML5 and JavaScript to create compelling and interactive presentations. This book is a valuable resource for web developers, data scientists, and anyone seeking to harness the power of data visualization to communicate insights effectively on the modern web.
Who should read Data Visualization: Representing Information on Modern Web?
- Web developers
- Data scientists
- Anyone interested in creating interactive visualizations for the web
- Professionals seeking to learn data visualization best practices
Lesson learned
The book emphasizes that data visualization is more than just creating pretty charts; it's about effectively communicating insights and engaging audiences on the web. Through a blend of design principles, technical expertise, and interactive tools, it empowers readers to unlock the potential of data and create compelling experiences that inform and inspire.
8. Interactive Data Visualization for the Web by Scott Murray
'Interactive Data Visualization for the Web' by Scott Murray is a thorough study of books on visualisation, allows readers to explore the central themes of the book. Published by Shroff Publishers & Distributors Pvt Ltd in 2013, the book guides readers through the creation of interactive data visualizations for the web using D3.js, a popular JavaScript library. It provides a hands-on approach, covering fundamental concepts like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and SVG basics, and then delving into techniques for dynamically generating web page elements from data, creating various chart types, and incorporating interactivity. The book is designed for a broad audience, from designers and artists with limited coding experience to data journalists and anyone interested in exploring the world of data visualization.
Who should read Interactive Data Visualization for the Web?
- Web developers
- Data visualization enthusiasts
- Anyone interested in learning D3.js
- Designers or artists with limited coding experience
9. Data Visualization: A Practical Introduction by Kieran Healy
In 'Data Visualization: A Practical Introduction', Kieran Healy presents a deep dive into a captivating topic, offering structured insights and key takeaways. Published by Princeton University Press in 2018, this book serves as an accessible guide to creating effective data visualizations, particularly for students and researchers. It delves into the principles behind successful data visualization, focusing on the use of ggplot2, a powerful visualization library within the R programming language. Through practical examples and step-by-step guidance, readers learn to create various types of plots, layer information, and refine their graphics for maximum clarity and impact. The book emphasizes the importance of honest and ethical data visualization, ultimately equipping readers with the skills to effectively communicate and interpret quantitative information.
Lesson learned
The book emphasizes the importance of effective data visualization for both understanding data and communicating findings clearly. It teaches readers to use the power of ggplot2 within the R programming language to create insightful and impactful visualizations, ultimately enhancing their ability to glean insights from data and share those insights effectively with others.
Price- $23.99 - $90.24 for hardcover
10. Visual Complexity: Mapping Patterns of Information by Manuel Lima
In 'Visual Complexity: Mapping Patterns of Information', Manuel Lima presents a deep dive into a captivating topic, offering structured insights and key takeaways. Published by Princeton Architectural Press in 2011, the book explores the growing challenge of visualizing and understanding complex information networks in the 21st century. Lima showcases a hundred compelling examples of information visualization, demonstrating how designers, researchers, and scientists are utilizing innovative techniques to decipher intricate data structures and networks. The book highlights the aesthetic and functional power of visual complexity, showcasing how these approaches can reveal patterns, connections, and insights that might otherwise remain hidden within vast amounts of data.
Who should read Visual Complexity: Mapping Patterns of Information?
- Designers
- Data visualization enthusiasts
- Researchers in various fields
- Anyone interested in the visual representation of complex information
Lesson learned
The book emphasizes that in an era of overwhelming data, visual complexity is not just a stylistic choice, but a powerful tool for uncovering patterns and meaning. It highlights the potential of information visualization to illuminate intricate connections within complex networks, offering insights that might otherwise be missed and empowering viewers to grasp the underlying structure of complex data sets.
Price- $27.63 for hardcover
11. The Book of Circles: Visualizing Spheres of Knowledge by Manuel Lima
The work 'The Book of Circles: Visualizing Spheres of Knowledge' provokes thought by Manuel Lima, delving into the core ideas surrounding 'books on visualisation'. Published by Princeton Architectural Press in 2017, the book delves into the history and significance of circular information design, showcasing a diverse collection of over 300 illustrations across various disciplines. Lima explores how the circle, a universal symbol, has been used throughout history to represent concepts like unity, wholeness, and perfection, from ancient Sumerian clay tokens to modern logos and diagrams. Through a unique taxonomy of circle diagrams, the book offers a compelling visual feast for infographics enthusiasts, highlighting the power of circular representation to convey knowledge and understanding across different fields.
Price- $31.22 for hardcover
- $19.99 for kindle
12. Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven Design by Andy Kirk
Offering a fresh perspective, Andy Kirk delivers an expertly crafted narrative in 'Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven Design'. Published by SAGE Publications Ltd in 2016, the book provides a comprehensive guide to data visualization, equipping readers with the knowledge and skills to create effective and impactful visualizations. It emphasizes a step-by-step approach to data-driven design, guiding readers through the process of understanding data, choosing appropriate visualization techniques, and crafting visuals that communicate insights clearly and engagingly. The book features a curated collection of examples, both good and bad, to illustrate best practices and inspire creative solutions, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding and application of data visualization.
Price- $146.88 - $150.88 for hardcover