Information Visualization: Failed Experiment or Future Revolution?
http://www.iasummit.org/finalpapers/96/96_Handout_or__final__paper.pdf

Fast, Karl
IAsummit
2004

Abstract:

Information visualization (infoviz, for short) has been dismissed by many information architects as a good idea that hasn't panned out—a failed experiment. Now failure is a strong word that closes a lot of doors, and information architects like to keep their options open, so the preferred phrasing is 'I'm skeptical about information visualization's value proposition' or 'I'll believe it when I see it' or something like that.