Visual Design Solutions: Principles and Creative Inspiration for Learning Professionals

Chapter 16Make Numbers Interesting

“Data and visualization don't always have to be just about the cold, hard facts.”

— Nathan Yau

The Framework

THIS CHAPTER answers these questions:

• Why don't my numbers line up evenly?
• How can I make statistics visually appealing?
• When should I use a graph versus a table?
• What are the best practices for designing with numbers?

Do you need to communicate financial data, research statistics, or other types of quantitative information but find it difficult to make it engaging? You've probably discovered that many audiences shut down when they see screens filled with statistics or data. That's because the display of numerical facts can easily become meaningless. It is too easy for numbers to be seen as abstractions.

In this chapter, you will see that there are many ways to make numbers relevant and meaningful. You will see how to liven up the design of statistics and to present data so they are comprehensible. You will find solutions for taking the boredom out of numbers.

Typography of Numbers

Numerals are an exceptional case in typography, so this is a good place to begin. How you work with numerals is often different from how you work with text. For example, did you ever try to line up a list of numbers only to end up with an unruly column? The design gods were not working against you. If the numerals didn't align properly, you were probably ...