Information Visualization Framework (described as a chapter that did not make it into Visual Complexity: Mapping Patterns of Information) by Manuel Lima.
From the post:
Provide easy evaluation methodologies for existing tools and approaches. Information visualization requires a common rule system that can accordingly distinguish the good from the bad, the appropriate from the inappropriate, the usable from the unusable, the effective from the ineffective. Case studies and success stories are a great first step in this direction. If information visualization is a vehicle for evidence and clarity, it should embrace the same ideology in the definition of its own practice, by creating a systematic body of analysis able to properly evaluate the success of any project. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods should be welcomed, including observational studies, participatory assessment, usability testing, contextual interviews, and user feedback. This effort should, most importantly, go hands in hands with the development of an adequate language of criticism.
The forsaken chapter is quite good but I am curious what you make of this final paragraph. Do we really need “…a common rule system…” for visualization? I know the author thinks so but am curious what you think? What reasons would you give for your answer?