Our data visualization expert has three top tips for creating a clean report.  However, it is important to remember that in writing a report you must first find the story, then do your analysis homework, and finally support those findings.

#1 Be Consistent Slide to Slide

  • Use theme colors and templates
  • Use the same font, even within the charts and tables
  • Make the size of the charts and tables the same throughout the report

#2 Keep Charts Organized and Simple

  • Legend should follow order of bar –
    • If vertical bars, legend should also be vertical and clearly visible to LEFT of bars
    • If horizontal bars, legend should also be horizontal and clearly visible at TOP of graph
  • Only show necessary data.  Avoid showing every point of each scale, when possible show only a summary.

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#3 Make Tables Easy to Read

  • Rows should be easy-to-read and distinguishable from each other.

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