Tufte's Data Display Principles

Developed by Edward R. Tufte (The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, 1983).

A set of rules for charts and tables (spend ink on data, cut decoration, use small multiples, put words beside numbers) that make a display answer its question.

When to reach for it

When a chart or dashboard looks fine but the audience cannot pull out the answer it was meant to give.

How it runs

1. Write the one question the display must answer.
2. Choose the display type that fits the question.
3. Plot a rough version.
4. Remove every mark that does not encode data.
5. Use small multiples for comparisons and label data directly.

Where it sits in SOLVE eX

• 3.1 Finding the Current Facts
• 6.3 Implementing the Action Plan

Go to the source

• The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, 1983