Creating effective charts requires a balance between subjectivity and objectivity, with various do's and don'ts to keep in mind. While these guidelines offer objectivity, there's always room for debate when it comes to chart design. From axis rotations to annotations, a multitude of chart elements can always be adjusted. Let's delve into some key do's and don'ts for two popular chart types: bar charts and line graphs.
Bar Charts
Do's:
- Don't Hesitate to Use Bar Charts: Embrace bar charts without reservation. If they offer the clearest way to represent your data. Don't feel like you are over using them!
- Maintain a 2:3 Ratio: Strive for a balanced 2:3 height-to-width or width-to-height ratio whenever possible.
- Consider Alternatives: Be open to alternatives like histograms and waterfall charts, depending on the nature of your data.
Don'ts:
- Avoid Clustered or Stacked Bar Charts: Minimize the use of clustered or stacked bar charts, unless they are necessary to convey percentages.
- Steer Clear of Zooming In: Resist the urge to zoom in on bar chart endings to emphasize differences. Always start at zero to avoid exaggerating disparities.
- Mind the Number of Categories: Be cautious about using bar charts if you have an overwhelming number of categories.
- Avoid Curved Bars: as lovely as they look they skew the length and proportionality of the bars.
Additional Tips:
- When removing the X-axis, ensure a robust Y-axis to establish a clear zero point.
- Consider sorting bars in ascending or descending order for better visual clarity.
- As a general rule, avoid adding more labels than tick marks on your axis.
Line Graphs and Variations
Do's:
- Utilize Line Graphs with Time: Line graphs are ideal when representing data over time along the x-axis, providing a clear temporal context.
- Incorporate Sparklines for KPIs: Employ sparklines within Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to offer context over a broader time frame leading up to the final value.
- Leverage Slope Charts: Slope charts excel at summarizing middle points and trends in data.
Don'ts:
- Cautiously Use Area Charts: Avoid stacked area charts and exercise caution with area charts to manage white space effectively.
Alternatives and side notes:
- Multiple Category Line Graphs: It's acceptable to use multiple lines when examining the relationship between two data sets, but be mindful not to overload your chart with too many lines.
- Cycle Plots: Use cycle plots to represent data over multiple time periods, such as quarters within a year.
- Slope Charts: Utilize slope charts to visualize relationships between two data points effectively.
In conclusion, mastering the art of bar and line charts involves understanding the do's and don'ts, while still allowing room for creative flexibility. By following these guidelines, you can create charts that effectively convey your data with clarity and impact