Chapter 2 of 7 · 4 practices · 2 min · 3-question quiz
Encoding and clutter
Every mark, color and line on a chart should carry information. These practices remove what does not and make what does easy to read.
Start: Encode the important comparison as position or length on a shared axis4 practices in this chapter
- 1Encode the important comparison as position or length on a shared axisReaders compare positions along a common scale, such as the ends of bars or points on a line, more easily than angles, areas or color shades. Put the comparison that carries your message on that…
- 2Label series directly instead of relying on a legendThe Analysis Function advises avoiding legends where possible, because they rely on color to match labels to data, and recommends labelling lines directly. Direct labels also mean readers do not have…
- 3Remove 3D effects, heavy gridlines and decorationThe Analysis Function lists what to leave out: 3D shapes, shadows, patterns, shaded backgrounds, unnecessary borders, and thick or dark gridlines. Gridlines should be light grey, and it advises a…
- 4Format numbers and units so they read without effortSmall formatting choices decide whether a chart is read or squinted at. The Analysis Function recommends right-aligning y-axis values, using thousands separators, sans serif fonts and labelling all…
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