← Data Visualization learning pathData Visualization · Module 3 of 10
Design principles
Make charts clear, honest and attractive.
📖 Key ideas
- Start bar chart axes at zero to avoid exaggeration.
- Remove clutter: heavy gridlines, 3D effects, unnecessary borders.
- Label clearly: titles that state the insight, axis labels with units.
- Use colour purposefully to highlight what matters.
- Sort bars to make comparison easy.
💡 Real-life example: Good chart design is good handwriting: neat, clear and easy to read.
ClutterUnnecessary visual elements
Truncated axisAxis not starting at zero
Highlight colourColour drawing attention to key data
Insight titleTitle stating the main finding