There are
several
different
tactics
you
use
when
following
this
principle:
(1) Use the chart for notable facts only.
(2) Limit each chart to one major idea.
(3) Break up complex data into a series of simple ideas.
(4) Omit any unnecessary scale designations, captions, rulings,
and arrows.
(5) Keep the title, captions, and labels short and concise.
(6) Separate unrelated charts; group related charts.
(7) When using colors on a chart, ensure they are harmonious, not
too numerous, and highlight the important data in the chart.
(8) Be careful not to use overly bright colors. If you use colors
that are overly bright or you use too many colors, they become the point
of interest for the reader and the data presented in the chart becomes
secondary and loses its importance.
c. Constructing the Chart.
When preparing a chart; you normally
would use a grid proportion of 2 high by 3 wide. For example, you have
chart board cut to 10" high by 15" wide for a project. The shape (grid
proportion) of a chart influences the way the reader views the
information presented by the chart.
For example, a short, wide chart flattens a curve and makes the change
appear to occur gradually. Whereas a tall, narrow chart has the opposite
affect. A tall, narrow chart makes the change appear greater or more
abrupt.
(1) Selecting a scale. A chart must have a scale that presents
the data in the chart accurately and the reader easily understands and
applies it to the data the chart presents. Without the correct scale,
the best designed chart becomes useless because the reader cannot
understand what the chart presents. The chart also loses its eye appeal
because it gives the appearance of a mass of uncoordinated information.
Fortunately, you can use rough drafts to determine the scale best suited
for the chart you must construct. Most scales start
1-10
SS0530
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