In an era where information is plentiful and rapidly consumed, the way we present data holds immense power. My recent work on visual critiques and redesigns of graphs has reinforced the importance of clear, ethical, and effective data representation. From analysing Amazon’s 2021 Annual Report to critiquing Jeff Sessions’ welfare data and Danny Dorling’s COVID-19 mortality graph, this journey has deepened my understanding of how graphics influence perception—and sometimes, mislead audiences.

Visual Design: Simplicity vs. Complexity

A well-designed visual should enhance comprehension, not complicate it. The Amazon Stock Price Performance Graph exemplifies how a lack of contrast and overlapping symbols can obscure meaning rather than clarify it. The original graph’s missing gridlines and the use of inconsistent colour made data interpretation unnecessarily difficult. Through my redesign, I focused on colour differentiation, symbol clarity, and gridline integration—elements that should be fundamental in financial reporting.

In technical and professional communication, simplicity does not equate to a lack of depth. A clean, well-structured visual can retain complexity while remaining digestible. This principle was further reinforced in my analysis of Danny Dorling’s COVID-19 mortality graph.

While the intent was to provide insight into pandemic-related deaths, the visual clutter, font size, and inclusion of unrelated data points detracted from its credibility. This experience highlighted the balance required in infographics—clarity without oversimplification.

The Ethics of Data Representation

Data visualization is not just about aesthetics—it’s about responsibility. Jeff Sessions’ welfare chart serves as a cautionary tale of how minor manipulations (such as adjusting the Y-axis scale) can create false narratives. While the data was technically accurate, the presentation was misleading, reinforcing a biased viewpoint. This underscores the need for ethical standards in graphic design, particularly in political and social contexts where data misrepresentation can fuel misinformation.

Markel and Selber (2021) emphasize that ethical communication builds trust. As creators of data-driven content, we must ensure that visualizations inform rather than manipulate. This means using appropriate scales, avoiding selective data omissions, and presenting information in a way that supports critical thinking rather than predetermined conclusions.

Redesigning for Impact

My redesign of the Amazon graph was a practical exercise in applying these principles. By refining colour schemes, symbol placement, and gridline usage, the revised graph became significantly more user-friendly. This exercise reinforced that small design choices have significant impacts—whether in financial reports, policy discussions, or public health communications.

(Amazon, 2021)

Moreover, I realized that visual communication is not just about individual elements but how they interact. Consistency in labelling, spacing, and hierarchy makes a graphic not only more aesthetically pleasing but also functionally superior.

Key Takeaways: Becoming a More Critical Visual Consumer

This project has heightened my awareness of the power of visual rhetoric. Every chart, infographic, or graph we encounter carries inherent biases—whether intentional or not. As consumers of information, we must develop visual literacy skills to question the design choices behind the data. As creators, we bear the responsibility of ensuring transparency and accessibility in our designs.

References

Amazon Annual Report. (2021). [online] Amazon. Available at: https://s2.q4cdn.com/299287126/files/doc_financials/2022/ar/Amazon-2021-Annual-Report.pdf.

Dorling, D. (2020). Three charts that show where the coronavirus death rate is. [online] Available at: https://www.dannydorling.org/

Markel, M. and Selber, S.A. (2021). technical communication. 13th ed. USA: Macmillan International.

Final Thoughts

Visuals are more than just decorative elements—they are tools for shaping understanding, influencing decisions, and conveying narratives. Whether in financial reports, news media, or academic research, the ethics of design should always be a guiding principle. Moving forward, I will approach visual communication not only as a designer but as a critical thinker, ensuring that clarity, honesty, and accessibility remain at the forefront of my work.

What are your thoughts on the ethics of visual communication?

Have you encountered misleading graphs in your field?  Feel free to leave a comment!