"As a general rule, headings should not be centred. The eyes tend to move automatically to the left hand margin at the end of each line, and centred headings are therefore likely to interrupt the smooth flow of reading. They may even be missed altogether." (Linda Reynolds & Doig Simmonds, "Presentation of Data in Science" 4th Ed, 1984)
"As a general rule, plotted points and graph lines should be given more 'weight' than the axes. In this way the 'meat' will be easily distinguishable from the 'bones'. Furthermore, an illustration composed of lines of unequal weights is always more attractive than one in which all the lines are of uniform thickness. It may not always be possible to emphasise the data in this way however. In a scattergram, for example, the more plotted points there are, the smaller they may need to be and this will give them a lighter appearance. Similarly, the more curves there are on a graph, the thinner the lines may need to be. In both cases, the axes may look better if they are drawn with a somewhat bolder line so that they are easily distinguishable from the data." (Linda Reynolds & Doig Simmonds, "Presentation of Data in Science" 4th Ed, 1984)
"In the case of graphs, the number of lines which can be
included on any one illustration will depend largely on how close the lines are
and how often they cross one another. Three or four is likely to be the maximum
acceptable number. In some instances, there may be an argument for using
several graphs with one line each as opposed to one graph with multiple lines.
It has been shown that these two arrangements are equally satisfactory if the
user wishes to read off the value of specific points; if, however, he wishes to
compare the lines, than the single multi-line graph is superior."
"In order to be easily understood, a display of information must have a logical structure which is appropriate for the user's knowledge and needs, and this structure must be clearly represented visually. In order to indicate structure, it is necessary to be able to eemphasiz, divide and relate items of information. Visual emphasis can be used to indicate a hierarchical relationship between items of information, as in the case of systems of headings and subheadings for example. Visual separation of items can be used to indicate that they are different in kind or are unrelated functionally, and similarly a visual relationship between items will imply that they are of a similar kind or bear some functional relation to one another. This kind of visual 'coding' helps the reader to appreciate the extent and nature of the relationship between items of information, and to adopt an appropriate scanning strategy." (Linda Reynolds & Doig Simmonds, "Presentation of Data in Science" 4th Ed, 1984)
"The basic principle which should be observed in designing tables is that of grouping related data, either by the use of space or, if necessary, rules. Items which are close together will be seen as being more closely related than items which are farther apart, and the judicious use of space is therefore vitally important. Similarly, ruled lines can be used to relate and divide information, and it is important to be sure which function is required. Rules should not be used to create closed compartments; this is time-wasting and it interferes with scanning." (Linda Reynolds & Doig Simmonds, "Presentation of Data in Science" 4th Ed, 1984)
"The ease and speed with which tables can be understood depends very much on the tabulation logic. The author must ask himself what information the reader already has when he consults a particular table, and what information he is seeking from it. The row and column headings should relate to the information he already has, thus leading him to the information he seeks which is displayed in the body of the table." (Linda Reynolds & Doig Simmonds, "Presentation of Data in Science" 4th Ed, 1984)
"The effective communication of information in visual form, whether it be text, tables, graphs, charts or diagrams, requires an understanding of those factors which determine the 'legibility', 'readability' and 'comprehensibility', of the information being presented. By legibility we mean: can the data be clearly seen and easily read? By readability we mean: is the information set out in a logical way so that its structure is clear and it can be easily scanned? By comprehensibility we mean: does the data make sense to the audience for whom it is intended? Is the presentation appropriate for their previous knowledge, their present information needs and their information processing capacities?" (Linda Reynolds & Doig Simmonds, "Presentation of Data in Science" 4th Ed, 1984)
"The frequency of labelled scale calibrations on the axes of
a graph can significantly affect the accuracy with which it is interpreted. As
little interpolation as possible should be required of the user, in order to
minimise errors. If single units cannot be marked, it has been suggested that
multiples of 2,5 or 10 should be used."
"The space between columns, on the other hand, should be just sufficient to separate them clearly, but no more. The columns should not, under any circumstances, be spread out merely to fill the width of the type area. […] Sometimes, however, it is difficult to avoid undesirably large gaps between columns, particularly where the data within any given column vary considerably in length. This problem can sometimes be solved by reversing the order of the columns […]. In other instances the insertion of additional space after every fifth entry or row can be helpful, […] but care must be taken not to imply that the grouping has any special meaning." (Linda Reynolds & Doig Simmonds, "Presentation of Data in Science" 4th Ed, 1984)
"The plotted points on a graph should always be made to stand
out well. They are, after all, the most important feature of a graph, since any
lines linking them are nearly always a matter of conjecture. These lines should
stop just short of the plotted points so that the latter are emphasised by the
space surrounding them. Where a point happens to fall on an axis line, the axis
should be broken for a short distance on either side of the point."
"The practice of framing an illustration with a drawn rectangle is not recommended. This kind of typographic detailing should never be added purely for aesthetic reasons or for decoration. A simple, purely functional drawing will automatically be aesthetically pleasing. Unnecessary lines usually reduce both legibility and attractiveness." (Linda Reynolds & Doig Simmonds, "Presentation of Data in Science" 4th Ed, 1984)
"Wherever possible, numerical tables should be explicit
rather than implicit, i.e. the information should be given in full. In an
implicit table, the reader may be required to add together two values in order
to obtain a third which is not explicitly stated in the table. […] Implicit
tables save space, but require more effort on the part of the reader and may
cause confusion and errors. They are particularly unsuitable for slides and
other transient displays."
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