See BWC pp. 183 ff. for details
Designing Graphics
Strategic Planning for Visual Information in your Formal Report
Preplanning Your Graphics
- The type of graphic and why that type was chosen
- How it will benefit your document (be as specific as possible)
- How it will be helpful to readers
- A description of the data it will present
- How you plan to prepare it or otherwise obtain it
Common Misuses of Graphics
- Distorting charts by varying the grid scale or skipping intervals
- Misusing statistics by using inappropriate ones or too small a data base
- Omitting relevant data
- Using them to pad a skimpy report
Major Types of Graphics
- Tables
- Line Graphs
- Bar Graphs
- Pie Charts
- Diagrams
- Photos or Drawings
Tables
display numbers or words arranged in a grid. They are good for situations where exact numbers need to be presented. Some examples are
Describing the components of a program's implementation.
Displaying attrition.
Displaying pre- and post-test results.
Presenting correlations or comparisons
.
Sample Table
| Violation |
Mandatory Fine |
Maximum Jail Term |
Mandatory Action Against License |
|
|
DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED First violation |
|
|
|
|
|
$500-$5,000 |
4 years |
Revoked at least 1 year |
|
|
|
DRIVING WHILE ABILITY IMPAIRED First violation 2 violations in 5 years 3 violations in 10 years |
|
15 days |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$500-$1,500 |
90 days |
Revoked at least 6 months if current violation occurred within 5 years of previous violation |
|
Source: NY State Department of Motor Vehicles, Motor Vehicles Code 2001, p. 303.
Line Graphs
Line graphs show sets of data points plotted over a time period and connected by straight lines. Line graphs are useful for displaying
Any set of figures that needs to be shown over time.
Results from two or more groups compared over time.
Data trends over time.
Sample Line Chart
Bar Graphs
Bar graphs show quantities represented by horizontal or vertical bars and are useful for displaying
The activity of one thing through time.
Several categories of results at once.
Data sets with few observations.
Sample Vertical Bar Chart
Sample Horizontal Bar Chart
Pictorial Bar Chart (difficult!)
Pie Charts
Pie charts show proportions in relation to a whole, with each wedge representing a percentage of the total. Pie charts are useful for displaying
The component parts of a whole in percentages.
Budget, geographic or population analysis.
Sample Pie Chart
Exploded Pie Chart
Diagrams
Diagrams show complex processes and projects; relative positions, roles and responsibilities within organizations; historical perspectives; future plans; and parts and details that are usually hidden. In general, diagrams are used for
Ideas, facts, priorities and processes.
Where things are located or how they work.
Relationships when quantitative information is not the primary focus.
Diagrams
Diagrams show complex processes and projects; relative positions, roles and responsibilities within organizations; historical perspectives; future plans; and parts and details that are usually hidden. In general, diagrams are used for
Ideas, facts, priorities and processes.
Where things are located or how they work.
Relationships when quantitative information is not the primary focus.
Sample Diagram
Sample Organizational Chart
Photographs or Drawings
Photographs or drawings can enhance a report by making concrete the images and facts conveyed in your words. Photos emphasize accuracy; drawings suggest possibilities. They can
Document exact conditions
Highlight relevant information while excluding the irrelevant
Sample Use of Photo
Sample Use of Drawing
Checklist for Effective Graphics-1
Have you noted in your document outline the approximate location of your graphics?
Does the text preceding a table or figure make clear why the visual is there and what it shows?
Is the language in the text describing the graphic consistent with the language in the graphic?
Do all graphics have clear, concise captions?
