There are a ton of little decisions we make each time we create a graph. Some are executed explicitly, for instance when we determine which words to use to describe our data, or decide to change the formatting of a line or point. Others might be less obvious—the choice we make when we leave a default setting unmodified, for example. Each on its own is relatively minor. But when we put them all together, these many little decisions unite to create the overall graph—and the experience for our viewers.

I had an interesting discussion with Andy Kirk recently (you’ll soon be able to listen to it in the forthcoming podcast episode). At one point, Andy described visualization as a “game of decisions,” where we each apply our own editorial judgement. He remarked that we should be aware of our options, and also aware of the various things that influence what we do and the decisions we make.

The point of editorial judgement is an important one. Often, it seems like people crave hard and fast rules for visualizing data (always do this; never do that). While it might be important to have some guidelines—particularly when first starting to visualize data—those only take us so far. I often characterize data visualization as sitting at an intersection between science and art. Yes, there is science; there are some norms that should probably usually be followed. BUT there is also an artistic component. This is that editorial judgement. This is one of the reasons visualizing data is so much fun: because each person does it a little differently. And that is ok. That is actually great. There is no single “right” way to design your graph. You get to make choices when it comes to line style, gridlines, data markers, data labels, legends, titles, font, capitalization, annotation… just to name a few. The possibilities of what you could create are endless!

Rather than daunting, let this be exciting. There isn’t a “right” way to design an axis or data label, for example—there are many ways this could be achieved effectively, in light of your goals, constraints, and the rest of the elements that will come together to create your graph. My point is that we should recognize all these little decisions and make them consciously and thoughtfully. Be aware of what influences your decisions. Seek out good sources of inspiration.

Related to the idea of little decisions…

You can practice identifying a single simple change you’d make to an existing visual (and perhaps take things beyond that to a full revamp) in our latest exercise, one little change…and a redesign.
Do you have a personal favorite little change you like to make when you design a graph? Share it in the featured community conversation.
Tune in to our next live event on June 30th (open to premium subscribers), where I’ll explore this idea further, delving into the many little decisions made when designing a single graph, showing alternatives, and talking through my personal thought process for each.

The next time you make a graph, pause and consider the many little decisions you are making. Be thoughtful about your choices and what is influencing them. Appreciate the possibilities.