Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 12.34
Simple bar chart, with two dimensions
Compare
Figure 12.34
to
Figure 12.35
, which shows a three-dimensional chart.
Figure 12.35
shows the original bar chart at an angle, with some attempt at showing
depth. This kind of three-dimensional perspective makes it more difficult for the
viewer to gauge the actual data and the scaling becomes deceptive.
Three-dimensional charts often distort scales and axes, and impede viewer
cognition. Adding a third dimension for depth in
Figure 12.35
,
does not make it
fancier, just more difficult to understand.
Figure 12.35
Misleading bar chart, with three dimensions
The charts in
Figures 12.34
and
12.35
portray the same data, but it is more difficult
to judge the actual height of the bars in
Figure 12.35
.
Moreover, the shadowing and
shape of the chart cause most viewers to spend time looking at the perspective of
the chart rather than the height of the bars, which is the key message and purpose
of this data visualization.
