Visual Function: An Introduction to Information Design

by Paul Mijksenaar

Visual Function: An Introduction to Information Design presents and discusses a variety of graphics used in transmitting information, analysing signs, graphs, and charts through a method similar to that found in Edward Tufte’s books (Envisioning Information and The Visual Display of Quantitative Information), which have had an enormous influence on today’s graphic designers. With copious colour- and black-and-white illustrations, this book examines aeroplane safety cards, street maps, road signs, instruction booklets, corporate logos, underground maps, magazine advertisements, cookbooks, computer diagrams, and car manuals, all as a means of explaining how information can be conveyed without words.

Genres: Design, Art Design, Nonfiction

56 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 1997

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Visual Function feels like a really great handout provided by a graphic design professor introducing information design, in both good ways and bad. It is vague and never goes into depth on any of the many topics it discusses, but still manages to be thought-provoking and a decent read. Plus, it's so short you can read the whole book in a matter of hours.

[Yokusun Basi]

Visual Function: An Introduction to Information Design by Paul Mijksenaar (1997)

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This streamlined volume is a great pocket primer on information design. It covers a wide variety of applications including product design, architectural way-finding, and graphic information design.

My only critical comment is that the book starts immediately with examples of less-than-stellar design solutions without any introductory copy or preface. After the feeling of walking into a conversation in progress subsided, I was pulled into the author’s thought process and arguments regarding information design. I liked the fact that he has a strong point of view on what functions and what does not and tries to guide to reader to pursue solutions that address many of the problems faced by this type of communication design. It is not a fancy book by any means, but it is based on solid thinking and filled with examples to illustrate his point.

[Mjoneill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an exceptional reflection on the history and theory of information design. Rife with examples, this small tome provides ample opportunity for reflection on that which can be found both within and without its pages. The design and layout of the book itself functions as sort of a meta-commentary on Mijksenaar's favored approach to ID.
I have heard some criticism of his book, but I think it stems largely from a misunderstanding of the book's intent and purpose. Use it is a starting off point for reflecting on the subject and it will return everything you put in to it. Use it as a prescriptive aid for a current project and you'll likely be sorely disappointed.

[Ralph Zoontjens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction from the Dutch master visual designer, with many remarkable examples.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice teaser for somebody with design interests.