Small Multiples
A principle introduced by Edward Tufte [Tufte, 1983, 1991].
Small Multiples are small, thumbnail-sized representations of multiple images displayed all at once, which allows the reader to immediately, and in parallel, compare the inter-frame differences.
Small Multiples are small, thumbnail-sized representations of multiple images displayed all at once, which allows the reader to immediately, and in parallel, compare the inter-frame differences.
They typically appear as sets of thumbnail sized graphics — using the same measures and scale — on a single page. They:
- Depict comparison, enhance dimensionality, motion, and are good for multivariate displays
- Invite comparison, contrasts, and show the scope of alternatives or range of options
- Can represent motion through ghosting of multiple images
- Are particularly useful in computers because they often permit the actual overlay of images, and rapid cycling.
External links
References
- [Gales, 1999] Larry Gales, Graphics and Web Design Based on Edward Tufte's Principles, Created at: 1999, Retrieved at: 2004. http://www.washington.edu/computing/training/561/zz-tufte.html
- [Garcia, 1994] Dan Garcia, Summary of Edward Tufte's Visualization Course, Created at: 1994, Retrieved at: Oct, 2005. http://http.cs.berkeley.edu/~ddgarcia/tufte.html
- [Tufte, 1983] Edward R. Tufte, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, Graphics Press, Cheshire, CT 1983.
- [Tufte, 1991] Edward R. Tufte, Envisioning Information, Graphics Press, Cheshire, CT 1991.