Anyone can make graphs look so much better

Just a quick note to say props to the folks at Dark Horse Analytics, who, in a single gif show how to turn a typical cluttered graph into one that is outstandingly clear…

Their article, Data Looks Better Naked, explains it in detail, so go check that out, but what I want to point out here is that it’s consistent with my current theme of Anyone Can Learn to Make Clear Visuals.

Notice that the changes they show to their graph don’t require years of graphic design study, or reading multiple books, or photoshop. They also don’t require multiple hours of work to pull off. It’s pretty simple. Remove clutter, keep the data.

And the best part is you don’t have to go to the full extent of the gif to see a dramatic improvement in your graphs. (I for one, prefer axis lines over no lines at all). Stop wherever you want between their “start” and “end” images and you will certainly have made an improvement.

Thanks Dark Horse Analytics for a great gif and a great article: