Charts start with story

charts-start-with-story

Start with the story, not the chart. Pick the relationship (comparison, trend, proportion, distribution, correlation) first. No chart if a single callout number or a table is clearer, the set is too small, or the chart needs heavy explanation. Not for decoration.

Description

Start with the story, not the chart. Pick the relationship—comparison, trend, proportion, distribution, correlation—first. No chart if a single callout number or a table is clearer, the set is too small, or the chart needs heavy explanation. Not for decoration. Pass when chart type matches the relationship and no chart appears when a callout or table is clearer. Fail for decorative charts or charting a single number a callout would carry.

When to use

Deciding whether and which chart to use for a relationship.

Not when

Decorative charts or charting a single number a callout would carry.

Agent hint

Pick comparison, trend, proportion, distribution, or correlation first; skip decorative charts.

Pass

Chart type matches the relationship; no chart when a callout or table is clearer, the set is too small, or it needs heavy explanation.

Fail

Decorative chart; chart for a single number that a callout would carry.

Citations

NSW — Charts and graphs

https://designsystem.nsw.gov.au/docs/content/methods/charts-and-graphs.html