Creating Meaningful Graphics
Created at:
Author: Ryan Smith
Use graphics in your report to help clarify data, create visual interest, and make numerical data meaningful. However, be sure to choose the right graphics to accomplish your objectives. Review your objectives, identify the purpose for each graphic, and then make an informed decision.
Use the table to answer the following question.
| Year [1] | Landscape Design [2] | Graphic Design [3] | Graphic Design [4] | Textile Design [5] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $3.00 | $1.60 | $4.00 | $2.00 |
| 2020 | $2.00 | $1.90 | $3.90 | $1.25 |
| 2018 | $2.80 | $1.50 | $3.40 | $1.00 |
| 2021 | $1.50 | $1.20 | $1.60 | $3.00 |
[6] Figure 2:
Design Goods Company Four-Year
Revenue (in millions of dollars)
What is the error in the headings section of the table?
- A heading is missing
- The heading should be omitted
- There is no error in this section
View Explanation
When using a table to summarize data, be sure to provide clear headings for each of your columns and rows.
Use a flowchart .
View Explanation
A flowchart is the best choice when you need to illustrate a process or procedure.
Use the bar chart to answer the following question.
Identify one of the errors in the bar chart.
- The lengths and widths of the bars are proportional
- The lengths and widths of the bars are not proportional
- Each bar's length should be taller and the width wider
View Explanation
To avoid confusion, the length and width of each bar and segment should be proportional.
What would you use to show the increase in demand for solar panels over the last five years?
- A flowchart or map
- A bar or line chart
- An organizational chart or table
View Explanation
Use bar and line charts when you need to show changes over time, thus indicating trends.
Read the scenario, and answer the question.
You need to display the placement of three new function keys on a cell phone prototype.
What should you use to illustrate the data?
- Maps
- An illustration
- An organizational chart
View Explanation
Illustrations help you clarify how an object looks or how it operates.
Read the scenario, and answer the question.
Lucia is writing a report on office lighting and work productivity. She uses a bar chart to depict the increase in work productivity after softer lighting was installed. However, she places the chart two pages after the point where it is mentioned.
What advice should you give her?
- Place the graphic at the end of the report
- Place the graphic in a separate report
- Place the graphic close to the point where it is mentioned
View Explanation
Refer to every graphic in your text and place it close to the point where you mention it.
Use the line chart to answer the following questions.
Evaluate the labels on the line chart. What label could be added to make the chart easier to read?
- No additional label is needed
- A vertical label on the far left-hand side identifying the year
- A vertical label on the far left-hand side stating that the numbers represent millions of dollars
View Explanation
For additional clarity, make sure you add a label that identifies the vertical values on the left-hand side of your chart.
If the previous chart measures CaliMart's revenues in millions of dollars, how much more money did CaliMart make in 2020 than in 2016?
- $8 million
- $12 million
- $4 million
View Explanation
Identify the years by looking at the horizontal labels across the bottom of the chart and then refer to the vertical revenue labels on the left-hand side of the chart. The points where the year variables meet the revenue variables show the revenues for the two years. Subtract the revenue made in 2016 from the revenue made in 2020.
