Microsoft PowerPoint and the Columbia Disaster

[major_clanger]

sbisson has already referred to graphics guru Edward Tufte's stinging criticism of PowerPoint in a recent article in Wired.

It turns out that Tufte has made further specific criticisms of the way that a PowerPoint slide was used to try to convey information about NASA simulations of possible foam impact damage to Columbia. Tufte's comments are reprinted in Chapter 7 of the Columbia Accident Report, which goes on to note:

"At many points during its investigation, the Board was surprised to receive similar presentation slides from NASA officials in place of technical reports. The Board views the endemic use of PowerPoint briefing slides instead of technical papers as an illustration of the problematic methods of technical communication at NASA."

MC