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Subject:Re: dialog versus dialog box revisited From:"Dick Margulis " <margulis -at- mail -dot- fiam -dot- net> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Mon, 27 Jan 2003 13:54:06 -0500
>Dick Margulis wrote:
> Edward Tufte, in discussing graphic display of information, says, "Relevant to nearly every display of data, the smallest effective difference ...
And Bruce Byfield replied:
>>
>My only misgiving about this approach is that it assumes an alert,
>observant readership. Considering how little most people know or
>appreciate typography, this assumption seems questionable to me. True,
>the approach makes sense with large differences, such as indentation and
>line spacing, which are hard for even the unobservant to miss. However,
>in other cases, I prefer to assume a less careful audience. For example,
>with headings, several markers seem needed; if you differentiate a
>heading only by the font, size, or spacing, then many readers will not
>notice at a glance what they are looking at.
>
To which I in turn reply:
Bruce, the critical word in Tufte's dictum is _effective._ If the difference isn't effective, it is too subtle. So here is where the art of understanding your audience's abilities intersects the art of arranging squiggly marks on a page. If you get it right, you win the prize (audience comprehension). If you get it wrong, you try something a little different the next time.
Dick
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