Source: Semiology of graphics (1967/83), p. 2
Famous Jacques Bertin Quotes
Source: Semiology of graphics (1967/83), p. 139: Bertin’s definition of efficiency as cited in: Naomi B. Robbins (2009) Creating More Effective Graphs http://www.ssc.ca/ottawa/documents/SSO2009FallRobbins.pdf
Source: Semiology of graphics (1967/83), p. 4
“The aim of the graphic is to make the relationship among previously defined sets appear.”
Source: Semiology of graphics (1967/83), p. 176
Source: Semiology of graphics (1967/83), p. 2
Source: Graphics and graphic information processing (1981), p. 129: About why draw a network?
Jacques Bertin Quotes about doubt
“There are as many types of questions as components in the information.”
Source: Semiology of graphics (1967/83), p. 10
Source: Semiology of graphics (1967/83), p. 16; as cited in: Stacy Kathryn Keller (2008) Levels of Line Graph Question Interpretation.... p. 6
Jacques Bertin Quotes
Source: Graphics and graphic information processing (1981), p. 16 as cited in: Riccardo Mazza (2004) Introduction to Information Visualisation http://www.dti.supsi.ch/~mazza/infovis_introduction.pdf
Source: Semiology of graphics (1967/83), p. 61, as cited in: Jörg von Engelhardt (2002). The Language of Graphics: : A Framework for the Analysis of Syntax and Meaning in Maps, Charts and Diagrams. p. 27
Source: Semiology of graphics (1967/83), p. 44
Source: Semiology of graphics (1967/83), p. 193
About the true value of graphics
Interview with Jacques Bertin (2003)
“The use of computers shouldn’t ignore the objectives of graphics, that are:”
Treating data to get information.
Communicating, when necessary, the information obtained.
Computers are able to multiply useless images without taking into account that, by definition, every graphic corresponds to a table. This table allows you to think about three basic questions that go from the particular to the general level. When this last one receives an answer, you have answers for all of them. Understanding means accessing the general level and discovering significant grouping (patterns). Consequently, the function of a graphic is answering the three following questions:
Which are the X,Y, Z components of the data table? (What it’s all about?)
What are the groups in X, in Y that Z builds? (What the information at the general level is?
What are the exceptions?
These questions can be applied to every kind of problem. They measure the usefulness of whatever construction or graphical invention allowing you to avoid useless graphics.
About the role of computers in Information Visualisation.
Interview with Jacques Bertin (2003)
About the traditionally low interest in theory of graphics
Interview with Jacques Bertin (2003)
Source: Graphics and graphic information processing (1981), p. 222; partly cited in: Laura R. Novick and Sean M. Hurley (2001) " To Matrix, Network, or Hierarchy: That Is the Question http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/faculty/Markman/PSY394/NovHur.pdf" in: Cognitive Psychology 42, 158–216 (2001)
Source: Semiology of graphics (1967/83), p. 2
“Value perception dominates color perception.”
Source: Semiology of graphics (1967/83), p. 87