Eliminate clutter and focus attention
1. Eliminate clutter and focus attention
One of the most common mistakes in visual representation is attempting to do too much. If you can eliminate clutter and focus attention on your visuals, then you will have achieved much in building your data story. Let's take some time to recognize the factors that make a visual representation of data not too dense and sparse while pointing your audience's attention where you need it.2. Cluttered charts are counter-productive
We tend to think that more of anything is better. This is not true of visualizations. Data visualization is one of the most important tools at your disposal. But just because a chart or graph is visually appealing doesn’t mean it’s effective. Cluttered visuals distract from the most important information and make your audience unwilling to receive your message. The best visuals almost make you forget that it represents data as you become absorbed in the described challenge and associated factors.3. Sensory overload
Sometimes you want to share aggregate data, most likely with a technical audience, but don't overload your visualizations with too much to look at. For example, it might be tempting to place a whole table on a slide or a whole page. However, an overwhelmed audience is not a receptive audience. You never want to overload the senses of those you are trying to communicate with. Start your creative process by making a bad chart from your table. This is only your first try. Then take the time to improve on it.4. Can I have your attention please?
Instead, focus on simple charts with one message, without unnecessary gimmicks. You want to signal where to look and create an intuitive visual hierarchy for your audience. It doesn't require further explanation beyond what they see. Relative size can indicate relative importance. Hue, when used correctly, is the most strategic tool for direction. Spatial position can also convey significance. Finally, people tend to view a chart the way they read. For example, for English speakers, the most important information in a chart should go to the top left.5. I just don't follow you
Another common mistake people make when creating a data visualization is to include unnecessary design elements such as shapes and colors. For example, the subsidies in the chart shown actually would be easier to read if presented as a list. This is a counterproductive use of graphics. A better solution would be to focus on only representing the relevant data, such as the subsidy label with the amount. Be sure to split up connected information into more than one slide as necessary.6. Data density
The amount of data displayed on a visual determines its density. Most professionals agree that the ideal data density in a visualization is around 50%-60%. This means that at most 40% of the visual should be filled with data, while the remaining 60% should be kept empty. The visual shown has a data density of close to 100 percent. Its details may be easy to forget. Using proper data density can help you create visually appealing and meaningful visuals that your audience will remember after your presentation.7. Never just casually colorful
A final way to focus attention is to use color sparingly to emphasize only certain parts of your visualizations. In a good visual, if something is not black, white, or gray, there must be a good reason. For example, you can use colors to only highlight trends or data points. Or use different colors to show different metrics.8. Let's practice!
Now can you "see" how to eliminate clutter and focus attention on your data story? Let's find out.Create Your Free Account
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