I’ve seen smart ideas die because someone turned them into a bad chart. Before you put pen to paper—before you even think about double-clicking the PowerPoint icon—you need to figure out a few things.
Who are your audience?
What is your data saying?
Why is your data important to your audience?
When you’ve answered these questions you should have a pretty good idea of what you want your diagram to say and to whom.
Sketch out ideas - expand & refine
Seriously, don’t open PowerPoint yet. Take a blank sheet of paper and sketch out some ideas. Don’t worry if you can’t draw—it’s not the drawing quality that matters, it’s the ideas. A blank page generates better thinking than a template ever will.
Don’t stop until you’ve sketched out at least ten ideas. Once you’ve sketched out ten ways you could visualise your data. Then choose your favourite two sketches and sketch out another ten ideas based on your favourite two. Repeat this process of expanding and refining until happy.
Designing the chart
Now you know what you want to get across and have a clear idea for your design, it’s time to create your design. Here’s a few things to keep in mind:
The shapes on the diagram should be directly proportional to their numeric quantity.
Put labels on the diagram to clarify and reduce graphical distortions.
If this diagram in one of many, make sure you are consistent in color, layout & typography. Use a grid system for consistent layouts. - Every mark made on the diagram should relate to of explain the data. Remove any unnecessary lines/shapes/labels etc.
There should be an overall macro point to your diagram, and you can have micro points that reveal themselves when the diagram is investigated in more detail. However the micro points should never detract or confuse the macro point your looking to make. - Always be guided by and refer back to your objective and your audience.
Collaborate for clarity
After spending so much time figuring out how to visually make your point, there’s a danger you won’t be able to see the wood for the trees. By showing your idea to other people you’ll get a sense of what works and what doesn’t when someone first sees your visualisation.
Refine & practice
It’s unlikely any diagram will be perfect first time. Go back and refine. If you try any of these approaches, I’d be curious to hear what worked and what didn’t—the gap between advice and practice is where the real learning happens.