Diversity in visualization is a small book, spanning 88 pages (nine chapters plus references and editor/author bios). Yet it is very surprising, in a very good sense. The book is the result of “observations ... based on the analysis of data about the IEEE VIS family of conferences,” from 1990 to 2016.

The book reports on discussions that started as a result of a panel at the 2016 conference. Fast forward to 2019: the book’s seven chapters (plus two chapters from the editors) discuss several aspects of diversity in the visualization of data. And this is where the book is really surprising. Each of the chapters presents a perspective on what it means to bring diversity into visualization. Chapter 1 presents the case for diversity in teams, arguing that inclusiveness and diversity--two different but related concepts--bring advantages to “the community and the country.”

Chapter 2 discusses how the status quo tends to decrease diversity and inclusiveness. For someone who is not from the social sciences, the equation “prejudice + power = oppression” is very powerful.Chapter 3 makes the point that there is no simple fix to promoting inclusiveness and diversity; rather, it is a process that needs to be cultivated at all times. The chapter includes discussions on culture and innovation.

Chapter 4 presents four case studies that illustrate real problems with diversity and inclusion at IEEE VIS conferences. The case studies help readers understand the real challenges to inclusion.

Chapters 5 to 7 present a practical approach to inclusion. Reader interest in these chapters will vary based on background; for me, this was probably the least interesting and surprising content. Chapter 7’s best feature is the way it resorts to ten simple rules to measure progress, and in a very inspiring manner.

Chapter 8 discusses sociological factors that impact diversity, presenting the case that diversity generates diversity (topic diversity generates gender diversity, and so on). Chapter 9 summarizes the book.

As a computer scientist and a computer science professor, the lack of diversity is a well-known fact. A problem. Yet, year after year, one tends to accept this lack of diversity. The book was truly surprising and inspiring in that it provides new perspectives to address these issues. Furthermore, it raises awareness to the fact that if we don’t handle this problem on a daily basis, it will not solve itself, and in the end, we all lose when there’s a lack of diversity and inclusiveness in our scientific areas.