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Charts and Graphics

Data visualizations tell a story, so information hierarchy and design is vital. Make sure viewers find key points quickly and naturally. Reinforce data with declarative text and simple color combinations.

Visualizing data hierarchy  

  • Place dominant data in primary reading position (top left).
  • Place remaining data starting from 12 o’clock and moving clockwise.
  • Show a maximum of five segments, adding a table when needed.   

Using color 

  • Pair the dominant color with the most important data.
  • Secondary colors may be used to aid visual separation, but allow the primary color to dominate.
  • Color helps differentiate, but so does shape. When using symbols to organize information, employ both for clarity and accessible content.
Charts and Graphics

Types of charts

Example of a horizontal bar chart using placeholder text and Loyola University Chicago brand colors.
Charts

Bar

Compares the quantity of items.

  • Text can be bold or light, depending on the number of items being compared.

Example of a vertical column chart using placeholder copy and Loyola University Chicago brand colors
Charts

Column

Compares a category over equal periods of time.

  • Label the x-axis with increments from zero to whatever the range is needed. The range one chooses can sometimes skew the story so be judicious and note the presentation.
  • Use color to emphasize the key point—in this case, that’s the growth of the third item.

Example of a donut chart using placeholder copy and Loyola University Chicago brand colors in gray and maroon
Charts

Donut

Compares components that make a whole. It can also show one component that is part of the whole. For example, progress toward a goal.

Example of a line chart, trending positive, using placeholder copy and the Loyola University Chicago brand color maroon
Charts

Line

Illustrates change over time (trend).

  • It’s essential to show starting and ending values for context.

Example of a pie chart using placeholder copy and Loyola University Chicago brand colors
Charts

Pie

Compares individual items often by quantity or mass.

  • Other than labels and numbers, supporting text is generally unnecessary.
  • Data flows clockwise from 12 o’clock, starting with the largest segment.

Visualizing data hierarchy  

  • Place dominant data in primary reading position (top left).
  • Place remaining data starting from 12 o’clock and moving clockwise.
  • Show a maximum of five segments, adding a table when needed.   

Using color 

  • Pair the dominant color with the most important data.
  • Secondary colors may be used to aid visual separation, but allow the primary color to dominate.
  • Color helps differentiate, but so does shape. When using symbols to organize information, employ both for clarity and accessible content.