basic rules of good data design

Szabó Krisztián

Szabó Krisztián

Átlátszó

ATLO

Frequently used softwares:

1. Readers

2. Creators

3. Brand

1. Readers

Proximity

Similarity

Enclosure

1912: Gestalt-philosophy – Max Wertheimer

the whole is more than the sum of its parts

Closure

Continuity

Connection

Preattentive processing

Five guidelines for better data visualisations (J.S.)

 

  1. Show the data
  2. Reduce the clutter
  3. Integrate the graphics and text
  4. Avoid the spaghetti chart
  5. Start with gray

 

2. Creators

1. Show the data

"Not all the data must be shown, but you should highlight the values, that are important to your argument"

2. Reduce the clutter

"The use of unnecessary visual elements distracts your reader from the central data and clutters the page."

3. Integrate the graphics and text

"Far too often, we treat the text and annotations as an afterthought, but these elements can be used to explain how to read the content in the graph as well as how to read the graph itself."

 

a. Remove legend

 

 

b. Write the title like a newspaper headline

c. Add explainers (annotations)

 

4. Avoid the spaghetti chart

"Instead of putting all of the data on one graph, create multiple, smaller versions with variations on the basic data. These are smaller charts that use the same scale, axes, and scope but spread the data across multiple visuals"

5. Start with gray

"You force yourself to be purposeful and strategic in your use of color, labels, and other elements"

3. Brand

Diagram sizes: 1500x1500px (square)

Title: size, font, color, boldness, orientation, no. of rows

Subtitle: font, size, color, boldness, orientation

Axis title: size, padding, color, font

Axis labels: density, size, color, angle

Axis lines: y/n, width, color

Gridlines: density, axis, width, color

Sources and notes: size, position, color, boldness

Logo: size, position

Legend: position, size, automated or unique

Labels, annotations: size, boldness, position

Other elements: line width, column/row distance, colours, opacity, etc.

Style is just as important as data.

What is your message worth

if your readers cannot understand it?

Thank you for your attention!

szabo.krisztian96@gmail.com