Why do bar charts seem to be everywhere? Why do they work so well? Perhaps the easiest of features to talk about is length. Humans have developed eyesight to tell the difference in length to a very granular degree. We can see and interpret quite accurately very small differences in length, and the relative proportions between them. Even a small percentage difference is visible to the human eye, making a chart that employs lengths a powerful way to communicate.
Max Verstappen is a Formula One driver, who really pushes hard to win. Why does Max always want to win the F1, not come second? It’s more than just data of course, there is an innate passion to win and be number one. Data, and our attribute, can give us a sense of why 1st is sooo much more valuable than second.
Which do you like more? A bit of text showing the points and positions? Say
Position: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Points. 25 18 15 12 10 8 6 4 2 1
Or the charts as above, showing the points and relative scale of each? I reckon the chart has the impact.
So if you have a point to make, a huge (or small) difference you need your audience to see and understand, reach for a viz with length.
Vizology 