When to use a chart or graph

When you should use a chart or graph

Consider using a chart or graph if doing so:

• will be useful and give the end user another way to understand the content on the page;
• it will have a clear purpose. For instance, will it:
  • track performance; or
  • measure the effectiveness of a policy?
• you’ve done your user research and know your audience. Your chart or graph should:
  • be designed to communicate clearly with your target user group(s);
  • be compatible with your user’s expertise;
  • allow users to view and process data quickly; and
  • take into account how familiar users will be with the basic principles you are presenting via the data.
• you know what type of chart to use to best communicate the data;
• you are sure the data source is accurate. If you are not sure, contact the Yukon Bureau of Statistics to find out.

When you should not use a chart or graph

While a visual representation of data can be appealing to the eye, there are instances when you should not use charts or graphs. Avoid using them:

• if you have not done user research to understand your users; or
• another format will better meets the user need. For example a list or table.