Top tips to create graphic visual representations of data which is easy to use and view
A thoughtfully crafted graph can really boost understanding, whereas a messy or poorly organized one might hide the important insights you want to share. Let’s explore some friendly tips to help you create more effective graphs for your presentations:
1. Use Horizontal Stacked Bar Charts for Comparisons
Horizontal stacked bar charts serve as a powerful tool for illustrating comparative data, particularly when depicting parts of a whole. Their horizontal orientation enhances readability, especially for longer labels, making it easier for audiences to quickly identify and understand the differences between categories.
2. Remove Gridlines for a Cleaner Look
Gridlines can be helpful at times, but often they add clutter that distracts from the main message. By eliminating them, you allow your audience to concentrate on the data itself without the distraction of extra lines. If you need to indicate alignment, consider using gentle reference lines or soft shading instead of bold gridlines.
3. Avoid Cluttering Graphs with Excess Numbers
Numbers should be employed thoughtfully. Presenting too many numerical labels can overwhelm and confuse your audience. Instead of showcasing every single data point, concentrate on the key figures that effectively communicate your main message. For example, labelling only the highest and lowest values or highlighting percentage differences can create a stronger impact than listing every individual number. If axes are not utilized, placing numbers inside or alongside the stacked bars can offer valuable context.
4. Utilize Graph Axes Strategically
When it comes to axes, I often lean towards omitting them for a cleaner look. However, if your data includes negative values, axes can be quite helpful in providing essential context. If you decide to include them, make sure to clearly label both the x-axis and y-axis with scales that accurately represent your data. You might also consider incorporating breaks in the axes to highlight significant changes without distorting the overall message. By properly scaling and labelling your axes, you'll not only enhance your graph's clarity but also guide your audience's understanding.
5. Use Colours Purposefully
Colours play a crucial role in making graphs more digestible. To enhance clarity:
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Use a consistent colour scheme that aligns with your presentation.
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Avoid using too many colours, as this can create confusion.
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Highlight key data points with contrasting colours to draw attention.
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Ensure colours are distinguishable for those with colour blindness (using high-contrast combinations or patterns can help).
6. Keep It Simple and Focused
The aim of your graph is to share data in the clearest way possible. Try to steer clear of extra features like 3D effects, too many labels, or any decorative touches that don't really help convey the message. Keeping things simple often leads to better understanding and clearer insights.
Conclusion
By applying these best practices—using horizontal stacked bars, removing unnecessary gridlines and numbers, and using colours effectively—you can create impactful graphs that communicate data clearly and effectively. A well-designed graph enhances your message, ensuring that your audience quickly grasps the insights you aim to convey.