Design Data Visualization
Data & Dashboards · charts
Updated 2026-07-28
- Charts should make patterns easier to understand.
- Choose charts based on questions:
Compare values:
Show trends:
Show relationships:
Show parts of a whole:
- Avoid decorative charts:
- 3D effects.
- Unnecessary colors.
- Visual noise.
- Highlight what matters:
- Important changes.
- Exceptions.
- Trends.
- A chart should explain something faster than text.
- Visuals should reduce cognitive effort.
- Use:
- Position for comparison.
- Length for measurement.
- Color for emphasis.
- Avoid:
- Too many colors.
- Decorative effects.
- Misleading scales.
- Every visual choice should answer:
"Does this help understanding?"
Related guides
UX Handbook