Selecting Visuals

Visuals for communicating information fall into three general categories: $($i$)$ those that communicate primarily through their textual content $($words and numerals$),(2)$ those that communicate primarily through some form of quantitative chart, and $(3)$ those that communicate primarily by some form of picture. The most effective visuals are those that are right for the circumstances. To choose the right type, you will need to think carefully about the kind of information you have and the purpose you want to achieve.

Roll over each label below to reveal a scenario in which a writer requires a visual. Then drag the scenario to the type of visual that would best represent the writer's data. Some visuals will be best for more than one scenario.