Exploratory Small Multiples

Use a exploratory small multiples chart with SHARC to compare the same slices of data across different categories on the X and Y axes.

For example, apply the SHARC framework if you want to visualize life expectancy of 10 provinces of Canada with respect to the national average between 1970 and 2010.

Anatomy

Title

- Be specific in naming the data you want your viewers to explore.

Label

- Include an appropriate label for the chart.

Legend

- When you’re displaying 2 or more data points, provide legends.

Apply SHARC Framework

Don'ts - Hierarchy

The title is very specific with parts of the graph highlighted. These choices will direct your viewers down a certain data story path.

Do's - Hierarchy

The title supports viewers exploring all of the data. Font size and boldness create a visual path to support the title.

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Don'ts - Scale

Don’t change the scale as it would make comparison difficult.

DO's - Scale

Keep the scale the same across small multiples.

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Don'ts - Readability

Visual clutter, such as unnecessary use of varied colors and fonts, detract viewers attention from the data.

Do's - Readability

By eliminating unnecessary words or visuals and using concise, accurate language with fonts that are easy to read, the viewer can easily focus on the data.

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Don'ts - Color

By using a number of unnecessary competing colors, the viewer might waste time deciphering which color goes with what data when they don't need to.

Do's - Color

Color is used sparingly and is the same to show that the data has equal importance. Non-text contrast ratio of at least 3:1 is suggested for accessibility by WCAG 2.1. (See References & Resources > Accessibility & Color to learn more about color and accessibility.)

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Dont's - Axis

Make sure that the grid cells share the same quantitative domains, in this case from 65 - 75.

Do's - Axis

Try to create the reference lines and scales which cover most of the categories, few exceptions would be fine. For eg. in this case, Saskatchewan goes out of the reference lines.

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