The purpose of a graph or chart representation of data is to amply present information in a glance for the understanding of a third party viewer. A graph should therefore contain items that can easily be perceived by the reader and understood with least reference to the actual data. This paper analyzes badly presented graphs and reasoning behind their poor presentation.
Charts should amply present information in a clear and concise manner so that the viewer is able to understand a large chunk of information within a small presentation. Of key importance therefore, is the amount of information that is presented within the graphical presentation. Consider the graphical presentation below (Hickey, 2013):
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The graph above shows a presentation of the payments offered to football players. When one considers the information presented within the graph, it is quite difficult to follow on any of the items shown in the graph. This is because there are several variables presented for both the X- and Y-axis, thereby proving it very difficult to follow.
An easily readable graph should therefore contain minimal variables to consider and interpret. It would be better to have multiple graphs which effectively communicate information rather than have one graph whose effectiveness is questionable. Furthermore, limits should be set on the amount of data presented in one graph lest the graph ends up confusing rather than informing. In the above example, it is quite difficult to follow which item is which, thereby creating confusion rather than informing the audience.
In conclusion, brevity is an important aspect of every graphical presentation. Brevity in this case would include the amount of information presented within a single graph. This way, information rather than confusion is communicated.
References
Hickey, W. (2013). The 27 Worst Charts Of All Time . Retrieved January 28, 2017, from Business Insider: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-27-worst-charts-of-all-time-2013-6?op=1/#d-anyone-learn-anything-by-looking-at-this-pseudo-pie-chart-what-do-these-colors-even-mean-why-is-it-divided-into-quadrants-well-never-know-1
