Better Graphs

When categories lack a natural order, organize them from highest to lowest.

Figures are easier to understand in two dimensions.

Avoid the unnecessary use of color.

 January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August

January
February
March
April
May
June
July

X
X
X

August

January

Do not clutter figure.

Avoid confusing graphs.

February

March

April

Use only one graph when there is a common axis.

May

June

July

August
 X
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

Ingmnara

Hent

Nulla

Ostrud
Make sure your figure is crisp.

Pocillopora spp.
Pocillopora spp.
Psammocora spp.
Psammocora spp.
Porites lobata Porites lobata
Pavona frondifera
Pavona clavus
Pavona frondifera
Gardineroseris planulata Pavona clavus
Pavona chiriquensis
Pavona gigantea
Gardineroseris planulata
Pavona varians Pavona chiriquensis
Porites panamensis
Pavona gigantea

X
Pavona varians
Porites panamensis

Use histograms rather than pie charts. They are easier to compare.

X
70 A. lituratus 70
A. jamaicensis
60 E. alba 60
C. castanea

50 50

40 40
A. jamaicensis

30 30
A. lituratus

20 20

E. alba
10 10
C. castanea
0 0

Avoid indirect labels.

Guide by: Julián Monge-Nájera ©2018. Adviser: Juan B. Chavarría.

Reference:
Kosslyn, S. M. (2006). Graph Design for the Eye and Mind. Oxford University Press, New York.