Data visualization rules that are meant to be broken

Photo by Jilbert Ebrahimi on Unsplash

There are several “rules” of data visualization that are commonly followed in order to create clear and effective visualizations. However, in certain cases, breaking these rules can lead to more engaging and informative visualizations. Here are a few examples:

1. The “rule” of using a single chart type: It’s often recommended to stick to a single chart type when visualizing data. However, in some cases, using multiple chart types in a single visualization can help to convey different types of information more effectively. For example, using a bar chart to show the overall distribution of data and a scatter plot to show individual data points and their relationship to one another can create a more comprehensive visualization.
2. The “rule” of avoiding clutter: It’s important to keep a visualization uncluttered in order to avoid overwhelming the viewer with too much information. However, in some cases, adding additional elements like annotations or reference lines can help to provide context and make the data more meaningful.
3. The “rule” of avoiding pie charts: Pie charts are often criticized for being difficult to read and interpret, especially when there are many slices or when the slices are not equal sizes. However, in some cases, breaking this rule and using a pie chart can be effective when the data is simple and easy to understand, and the goal is to show the relative proportions of different categories.

When breaking these “rules”, it’s important to keep in mind that the goal of data visualization is to effectively communicate information, and that the best visualization is the one that most effectively achieves that goal. It’s also important to consider the audience and the context in which the visualization will be used, as what works well in one situation may not be effective in another.

“Rules are not always meant to be followed, they are meant to be understood and then used to create something that is more interesting and more effective. Sometimes breaking the rules is the only way to push the boundaries and create something truly great.” — David McCandless, Data visualization expert, and author of “Information is Beautiful”