Best Method for Illustrating a Data Point
The above statistic was shown in a recent copy of Businessweek and shows the average U.S. State debt per capita. This method of calling attention to data is typically seen in magazines, newspapers and other periodicals. I can honestly say that I read 99% of these callout boxes when I come across them. Maybe it’s just me, but they effectively grab my attention. Now, I could be biased because I am so tied to data and statistics, but I would guess others may feel the same way.
One tip that I will give readers is that this method of highlighting data can be effectively used in presentations to draw attention to the slide. I would be much more apt to notice a fact or statistic like this versus a slide with just bullet points. Some of the best PowerPoint presentations I’ve seen include this method of presenting data. All the work that goes into the data gathering and analysis is a waste if nobody pays attention to the results, right? This method can also be used in dashboards if done sparingly and only for extremely important statistics.
Do you typically read these callouts when you come across them?
Do you agree that they are effective in presentations?
Most Commented Posts
November 3rd, 2008 at 8:59 am
I read them too. The big number catches my attention. Though, like yourself, I may be attracted to these because I’m a number geek.
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November 3rd, 2008 at 2:49 pm
The UK’s Independent newspaper is famous for doing this with its front pages, like a giant 0%, with smaller text explaining what the number means. I had a nice littled bookmarked archive of infographics-relevant Indy front pages, but they’ve re-arranged their site, dammit.
Their front-pages archive:
http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/frontpages/
One example of giant letters:
http://www.independent.co.uk/independent.co.uk/editorial/p1Images/20071003_p1_big.jpg
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November 3rd, 2008 at 11:24 pm
So I’m not alone. I think this is a good indication that it may be advantageous to use this method when presenting data to readers or viewers.
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November 6th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
[...] 10. This was discussed by Tony Rose last week in Best Method for Illustrating a [Single] Data Point. [...]
November 10th, 2008 at 6:14 am
Totally agree…….just view ‘Shift Happens’ which as a presentation delivers the message with the senario expressed by your point!
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November 11th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Great point Rob! I have seen shift happens, which I posted back in March and can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/5sh6rw
It truly is a powerful presentation that clearly utilizes this concept. I absolutely love using this method in presentations because the point is very hard to miss.
Thanks for the comment!
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November 18th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Also the ‘Chart Title’ within the chart Wizard is another opportunity to Grab a visual!
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December 1st, 2008 at 7:29 am
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