Jeff Weir, an alert reader of our blog points me this chart showcasing voice-over artist’s for various Simpson’s characters. I am a hard-core Simpon’s fan, so I naturally wasted 10 minutes looking at the chart. That is when I realize this chart is not only fun, it also teaches 5 valuable lessons on making better charts.
One fun chart
[view high res | original credit]
5 Rules for Making Better Charts
- Make it personal: I immediately looked up my favorite characters when I saw this chart. I am sure that is what many of you would do too. Charts / Slides that poke curiosity thru personal connections are memorable.
- Keep it simple: I am sure one of the new social media info-graphics wiz-bang would have made a whole poster out of this little data, but not this chart maker. Whoever made this chart chose a simple medium (bar chart) to show the characters and voice-over artists. And it works. Whenever you are tempted to use a complex chart, think for a minute if a simpler, familiar alternative is available and use it. KISS always works.
- Sort it: The chart is sorted by number of characters by artist. Sorting makes it easy to compare and view. You should always consider sorting your data in meaningful order.
- Use colors that connect: This chart uses bright yellow color, almost the same as the skin color of Simpson’s characters. It connects well with the audience. You should try to use colors that evoke emotional responses from your audience, whenever possible.(tip: using color in charts)
- Make it easy to compare: One comparison you can immediately draw is that male artists (Hank, Harry, Dan etc.) do so much more voice over work than female artists (Nancy, Yeardley, Julie etc.). You can tell this because the photos of artists are also available next to their names. Remember, your audience are looking for patterns, hidden messages in your charts. So make your charts with that in mind.
Question: What rules do you recommend for making better charts?
Go ahead and tell us what rules do you think we should follow to make awesome charts using comments.
Bonus Question: Who is your favorite non-Simpson Simpson’s character?
I don’t think about charting and formulas too much when weekend is around the corner, and neither should you. So go ahead and indulge in harmless banter. Tell me which non-Simpson Simpson’s character is your favorite?
For me Ned Flanders does it. I think his dialogues are very cleverly written. What about you?
12 Responses to “5 Rules for Making Better Charts (and one fun chart)”
Another very useful post, thanks and keep up the great work!! I do have a small question-what font is that you are using on your screen caps? I've noticed you use if before and it is a very clean, readable font.
Chief Wiggum, Carl, Apu, Groundskeeper Willie. I could go on and on. It'd be quicker to name a character I don't like.
My favourite characters: Groundskeeper Willie, Ralph Wiggum, Otto Man (busdriver), Barney Gumble (Homer's drunken old pal), Mayor "Diamond Joe" Quimby
@Michael: Thank you 🙂 I use a font called Segoe Print. It is part of Windows font family I believe. I earlier tried Akbar, Tempus Sans and Lucida Handwriting but found that they are not that readable. Segoe seems to work well without looking too boring.
@Ducheznee: Apu is one of my favs too.
One thing that I have noticed and followed is
1. Make a chart for your audience (One chart might not just fit all)
[...] Read more here. [...]
It's got to be Krusty the Clown all day every day. Slightly seedy and very dodgy!! And of course VERY FUNNY!!
🙂
Love your work Chandoo. You make topics easy to follow without dumbing it down too much. Thanks.
@Mynda ... thank you 🙂
@Prashant: Totally agree. Your audience and what they are looking for should determine how you go about making the chart
[...] 5 Rules for Better Charts [...]
[...] 5 Rules for making better charts [...]
Thanks a lot for this post !!!
My job requires making at least 10 graphs every day. This post would surely help me.
My contribution: Use legends for graphs ONLY when very necesarry. They usually readablity issues.