Graphical Excellence

Just because we collect data doesn’t mean we’re increasing our knowledge. Numbers are not synonymous with information. The graphical presentation of numerical data should be a fundamental tool for analysis and inference. In most cases, the most effective way to search, summarize, and present even a large data set is to create a chart showing the collected numbers. Graphical excellence not only allows for analysis but also enables the effective sharing of acquired knowledge with others.

Depending on the situation, the purpose, the question posed, and the structure of the collected data, certain types of charts will be more effective than others. However, there is a universal set of characteristics that every good chart should possess and that should be familiar to all those working with data. A good chart is, above all, one that simply and precisely presents the results of the analysis, leading the user to clear conclusions.