Chartjunk, an expression first used by author Edward Tufte, describes all the visual components of tables and charts that one doesn’t need to understand the data on display.
Tufte, an advocate of minimalist chart design in data visualization, contended that most of a graphic’s “ink” must go toward presenting the data. He considered using ink in charts to represent non-data items or redundant information superfluous or useless. Most individuals outside the data visualization community would consider chartjunk clutter.
Also, some chart principles suggest that the main focus is on “how many charts and graphs can we fit in here” rather than “Are we communicating the most important data?” However, how can one attain equilibrium? While adhering to the data, how can you produce a report that readers want to read?
So, let’s find out.
Confusion With Clutter In Data Visualization
Since you want your minimalist chart design to express information crisply and clearly, knowing how to prevent clutter can be helpful. Avoiding clutter that may cloud the underlying statistics or draw attention away from your main points is especially crucial.
Clutter may impede the signals you’re sharing in your data scenes. So, here’s a guide to avoiding various kinds of clutter that would be beneficial.
Types/Categories of Clutter
Here’s a list of possible clutter aspects and divided them into five primary categories to help others figure out what problems can cause clutter in data visualizations:
- Frame: The chart’s background region.
- Graphical Objects: The components that show or illustrate the values of the data.
- Axes: The lines parallel to the frame’s edges are called axes.
- Labels: Every text element in the chart provides information about the axes, data values, etc.
- Overlay Objects: Any components superimposed upon or added to the chart to provide explanations.
As a data storyteller, you want to reduce the mental strain your viewers have to put into understanding your charts. So, clearing clutter and ensuring a minimalist chart design can help. If you eliminate this type of noise, your charts will be easier for audiences to identify and follow.
Chart Principles For Minimalism
- The Core Message: One must identify the message or purpose of a minimalist chart design expedition before embarking on it. Such early clarity ensures that every component fulfills a specific purpose and helps guide all later selections.
- Recognize Your Target: Clearly understanding your audience is half the fight and one of the crucial chart principles! Studying the target audience’s preferences helps create custom designs that truly connect with them.
- Strive for Context: Whether your goal is increasing brand visibility or boosting conversions, you can assess your progress precisely by setting quantitative goals. Well-defined objectives also guarantee that your layouts are on target!
Best Practices For Minimalist Chart Design
Clearly, Leave A Mark
Minimalist chart designs thrive when the only visible elements are the essentials. Any excessive layout detail distorts the intended meaning.
Be Meaningful & Use White Space
Every component should have worth on its own, enhancing the overall effect and narrative coherence. Use white space, if necessary, to integrate the best of minimalism in your chart design.
Use Sleek Shapes And Forms To Enhance Clarity
Simplicity is crucial because complexity impedes communication. It increases visual appeal and enhances comprehension using geometric forms and clean lines.
Final Words
When data visualization is done well, it may be a potent tool for communication that helps us pay attention to and comprehend the data in front of us.
But when used improperly, programs like Power BI can produce jumbled, visually appealing charts and graphs with little practical value. Minimalism is the key to striking the ideal balance between functionality and breathtaking aesthetics.
Explore our blogs at Storytelling With Charts to learn more about data storytelling and concepts similar to minimalist chart design for data visualization.
About The Author
Ashley Rosa
Ashley Rosa is a freelance writer and blogger. As writing is her passion that why she loves to write blogs related to the latest trends in technology and sometimes on health-tech as well. She is crazy about food.
