Death by PowerPoint: the slide that killed seven people

Sobering analysis of how poor information design in PowerPoint contributed to the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster. Edward Tufte's investigation revealed how Boeing engineers buried critical safety warnings in a complex, nested-bullet PowerPoint slide that obscured the severity of foam strike damage. The slide's hierarchical structure, tiny fonts, and abbreviated language failed to communicate that the shuttle was in mortal danger. This case study demonstrates the life-or-death importance of clear communication, the dangers of PowerPoint's default templates that encourage information hiding, and why critical decisions should never rely on slide decks alone. Essential reading for anyone presenting high-stakes information.