Good design is clear thinking made visible, bad design is stupidity made visible
Edward TufteRead
I have stared long enough at the glowing flat rectangles of computer screens. Let us give more time for doing things in the real world...plant a plant, walk the dogs, read a real book, go to the opera.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of engaging with the physical world rather than being absorbed by screens.
Edward Tufte's quote highlights the need for balance in our lives, encouraging us to step away from digital devices and immerse ourselves in tangible experiences. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, he advocates for activities that foster real connections with nature, literature, and the arts, suggesting that these experiences enrich our lives in ways that screens cannot.
Themes
TechnologyReal WorldBalanceExperiencesNatureBooksArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about digital overload, this quote is a perfect reminder to reconnect with nature.
More from Edward Tufte
All quotes →There is no such thing as information overload, just bad design. If something is cluttered and/or confusing, fix your design.
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The minimum we should hope for with any display technology is that it should do no harm.
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PowerPoint is like being trapped in the style of early Egyptian flatland cartoons rather than using the more effective tools of Renaissance visual representation.
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If you’re told what to look for, you can’t see anything else.
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Design cannot rescue failed content.
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