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Module

Recommended Reading 7
? Nielsen Norman Group’s guidelines to website usability (http://www.useit.com)

Abu Dhabi, UAE

3.3 Visual presentation of data in the IEA

This section has close links to parts of Module 4, which deals with databases and indicators from the
conceptual and methodological points of view.

The visual part of communication is often underestimated. Ever since the birth of the printing press,

there has been a cultural assumption that information is best communicated through written formats,
and people often consider words the most important form of human communication. Supported by
the invention of the computer and desktop publishing, media and advertising, the role of visual messages
in the communication process has expanded since the late 1980s.

It is becoming increasingly important to recognize that the two communication systems - visual and

verbal - are interdependent. It is probable that the most powerful, meaningful and culturally important
messages are those that combine words and pictures. Memorable visual messages with text have the
greatest power to inform, educate and persuade an individual.

Visual communication can help us shape the interpretation of data, and strengthen messages delivered
through the text. Images, maps and graphics can simplify complicated insights as well as displaying

complex information in a very condensed way. So, by using the right images and colours, and by getting
your maps and graphics properly done, your IEA’s messages and readability will be strengthened. See
the presentation material on improved visual communication.

BOX 7 Visual communication: Example of the Vital Climate Graphics, Africa

The Third Assessment Report of the UNEP/WMO Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) noted a warming of approximately 0.7°C over most of the African continent
during the 20 century, based on historical records. While the exact nature of the changes in
th
temperature or precipitation, and extreme events are not known, there is general agreement

IEA Training Manual Workshop for the National Reporting Toolkit (NRT) 31