Graphic artists think about hierarchy whenever they design anything. Analysts making charts and graphs often ignore hierarchy, but at their peril. This is one of ten composition rules discussed in greater detail in this article from Canva. Read on for the 60-second data viz version of this rule.
What Does “Hierarchy” Mean?
You create a hierarchy when you design elements (like text, images, and charts) according to their significance. Generally, the most significant elements are bigger and bolder, and the less significant ones are smaller and fainter. We’ve already talked about making your focal point big, bold, and centrally located. We’ve also talked about using leading lines to direct attention from the focal point to other elements in the composition. The visual hierarchy provides additional cues to help the viewer discern: 1) what are the key takeaways, and 2) what are the more minor details.
How Can I Apply This Rule to Data Viz?
Consider the most important elements of your data viz including titles, subtitles, labels, charts, and chart elements (such as particular lines on a line chart or particular dots on a scatterplot.) Then make your most important elements bigger or bolder. You might also add more white space around them or give them a contrasting color to the rest of the viz. Then make the less important elements smaller and/or fainter.
Below are two versions of a data dashboard by Swati Dave. The first image shows the dashboard with many of the hierarchy cues removed. The second image show’s Dave’s original dashboard which applies a visual hierarchy to help guide you through the viz. Which do you find easier to digest?
Dashboard With Few Hierarchy Cues
Dashboard With More Hierarchy Cues
To see past data tips, including those about other composition rules, click HERE.
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