To make a clean chart, the primary goal is to focus the viewer's attention on the data by removing distracting elements. A clean chart is easy to understand and effectively communicates its message.
Declutter Your Chart for Clarity
The core principle of creating a clean chart involves removing unnecessary elements that clutter the chart and make it harder to understand. Every component should serve a purpose in presenting the data.
Practical Steps to Enhance Chart Cleanliness
Based on this principle, here are key actions you can take to refine your charts and improve their readability:
- Eliminate Unnecessary Axes: If your data labels or values are clear and directly readable on the chart elements (like bars or data points), you may not need both axes. Redundant axes add visual noise without adding value.
- Optimize Bar Distribution: For bar charts, ensure the bars are distributed evenly by making them wider and reducing the spacing between them. This makes the comparison between categories clearer and the chart visually less fragmented.
- Remove Background Lines: Remove background lines that can be distracting. Grid lines, while sometimes helpful for precise reading, can often clutter simple charts and detract from the main data patterns. Evaluate if grid lines are truly necessary for understanding the chart's key takeaway.
By implementing these steps, you strip away non-essential visual noise, allowing the data itself to stand out and make your chart significantly cleaner and more effective.
