Better Charts for Just-the-Facts Data
Consider the Graph...
Even if you're not pushing a specific message and just want to show the data plainly, choosing the right graph type is still the most important visual decision you'll make.
If you are making a...
Line Graph
Line graphs are great. I used them all the time. But especially in Power Point, they can be less visually impactful and add less color to the slide than they could.
Consider this instead:
Area Graph
For some reason people only think of area graphs for stacked areas of multiple series, but it doesn't have to be that way. This area (or “mountain”) plot shows the same data as a line graph, but adds color and visual weight to your slide.
Don't use separate bars for ordered data
I'm not a supporter of separate bars when the X-axis has a natural order and flow into each other.
If you are making a...
Bar graph with long lables
Consider this instead:
Horizontal bar graph
Horizontal text is SO MUCH easier to read.
If you are making a...
Collection of many pie charts
If you ever find your self with multiple pie charts next to each other, you should really think twice. Pie Charts aren't always bad, but a collection of pies is rarely the best option.
Consider this instead:
Proportionally scaled stacked bars
Stacked bars are easier to compare to each other than pies, and they can also be scaled to show the relative size of each group. Read more about this example.
If you are making a...
Box Plot
I like a box plot. They can be the best fit for a mathematically sophisticated audience, like serious journal article publication.
Consider this instead:
Violin Plot
But don't forget about the option of a Violin plot! They should still be saved for a sophisticated audiences, but they are more intuitive and more descriptive than a box plot, and now easier to make than ever. I like to use Flourish and export to SVG.
If you are making a...
Bar Chart with Series of Series
If you ever find your self with a series of series, you should think twice. There might be a better option.
Consider this instead:
Dumbbell Plot
If you are interested in the spread between data from your company compared to certain benchmarks, like in this fake example, consider a dumbbell plot.
Don't use a bar graph with many 'goal lines'
I like a bar graph with goal lines, but it falls apart when there are multiple goal lines, like in this case. It relies on distinguishing multiple colors, which isn't ideal. These kinds of benchmark lines can backfire—your chart might end up implying that your organization is “falling short on white demographics,” even if that’s not your message. Dumbbell plots feel less judgmental and more comparative.
If you are making a...
Collection of many pie charts (again!)
Separate pie charts are hard to cross-compare.
Consider this instead:
Stacked Bars
Stacked bars are easier to compare than separate pies.
If you are making a...
Multiple Charts
Pie charts are fine, but in this case there is a natural order to the ages of the people that we aren't taking advantage of here.
Consider this instead:
Mosaic Chart
A Mosaic Chart (aka Marimekko chart) is a less common type of chart, but it has a perfect time and place. It’s surprisingly intuitive—even if your audience hasn’t seen one before, they’ll pick it up fast, and probably appreciate the novelty.
If you are making a...
Bar Chart with Series of Series (again)
There is probably a better option for your 'series of series' bar chart.
Consider this instead:
Separate Area Plots
This graph is very similar to the above, but so much easier to digest!
Kate Baldwin