Needs Quote by Fred Brooks
“Show me your flowcharts and conceal your tables, and I shall continue to be mystified. Show me your tables, and I won't usually need your flowcharts; they'll be obvious.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Mythical Man-Month by Frederick P. Brooks, Jr., 1975
Brooks contrasts the clarity of raw data with the complexity of visual representations, noting that tables can be self‑explanatory while flowcharts may obscure.
In simple terms: Tables are clearer than flowcharts for showing data.
Key Takeaway
Prefer tables when data is straightforward.
Themes
clarity
data visualization
communication
simplicity
Mood
pragmatic
instructive
Type
educational
practical
When to use this quote
- presentations
- technical documentation
- project meetings
- educational settings
Key Concepts
information design
cognitive load
visual vs textual
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a flowchart more helpful than a table?
- How can you simplify a confusing chart?
A Different Perspective
Complex data may still need visual aid; tables can be dense.
