Classifications of visualization are often based on technical criteria, and leave out artistic ways of visualizing information. Understanding the differences between information visualization and other forms of visual communication
provides important insights into the way the field works,
though, and also shows the path to new approaches.

We propose a classification of several types of information visualization based on aesthetic criteria. The notions
of artistic and pragmatic visualization are introduced, and
their properties discussed. Finally, the idea of visualization criticism is proposed, and its rules are laid out. Visualization criticism bridges the gap between design, art, and
technical/pragmatic information visualization. It guides the
view away from implementation details and single mouse
clicks to the meaning of a visualization.