Reports help your business in every way. The information—especially data—communicated shows what you’re doing right, what you’re doing wrong, and how you could do things better. But the story and insights are only effective if they are properly presented. In this series, we show you the 4 steps to crafting a killer report that makes an impact.
Today, we continue with Lesson 4: Visualizing Your Data. (If you need to catch up, check out Lesson 1: Understanding and Analyzing Your Data, Lesson 2: Making an Outline, and Lesson 3: Crafting Your Content.)
A hyper visual report is more impactful and makes content easier to understand. Look for opportunities to visualize the content in your reports, whether through data visualizations, powerful imagery, or clean design. This increases the aesthetic and impact of your report. As you design your report, ensure you are following best design practices.
1) Ensure Charts and Graphs Are Accurately Visualized
Misrepresenting data or not presenting it in its most optimal form can hurt or dilute your message. (Learn more about how to design data correctly by downloading our free e-book, Data Visualization 101: How to Design Charts and Graphs.)
2) Use No More than 5 Colors
With the exception of data visualizations that require colors for multiple categories, use a few on-brand colors for your overall report design.
3) Limit Your Font Types
Use a max of 3-4—any more than that becomes too distracting, as can over-illustrated fonts. Aim for readability always.
4) Use Appropriate Imagery
Visuals are there to help support your message; they can enhance comprehension, retention and elicit an emotional response, which helps your report make a stronger impact.
Want more? Check out:
Why Smart Companies Should Put Design First
5 Fixes for Your Most Boring Fonts
How Color Boosts Your Branded Content
And download our new e-book:
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