Sunday, 28 August 2011

When should I use a chart?

There is no easy answer for this question. But, first and foremost I think charts should show something not easily recognisable just from looking at raw data. (Not just exist because throwing in a chart makes things look pretty)

Examples include trends over time, largest vs. smallest, frequency and comparisons of performance.

All of the above hint at a significant range of data. I'm think the smaller the range, the simpler the chart. And vice versa.

Your thoughts?
Posted by Andrew
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5 comments :

  1. Anonymous29 August 2011 at 16:04

    Data is to charts what notes are for music: put them too far apart and the harmony goes missing.
    Frank

    ReplyDelete
  2. Andrew30 August 2011 at 06:42

    Hi Frank,

    That's a very good way of putting it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous16 September 2011 at 23:48

    Please read "Show me the numbers", by Stephen Few. Your question has been thoroughly answered in that book.
    To make it short, use a graph when the message is in the shape of the data.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Andrew19 September 2011 at 17:42

    Thanks.

    By coincidence, I was reading through "Save Save the Pies for Dessert" this morning and was happy to see some similar points of view.

    I guess we all ask the same questions, some sooner than later :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bounchanh3 November 2011 at 14:53

    Very Useful links

    ReplyDelete

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