Your chart has too many series: data visualization tips for the non-analyst

In the world of self-service analytics, non-analysts are increasingly engaging in data visualization and dashboard creation, which can be daunting without prior experience. To aid this process, it's important to focus on clear communication, ensuring that the form of a chart supports its function rather than obscuring it. Designers should prioritize the purpose of their visualizations over aesthetics and avoid cluttering dashboards with multiple chart types or excessive data series, which can result in confusion. Using a consistent color scheme and limiting the number of series or categories in charts enhances readability. Pie charts should be used sparingly, as they can easily mislead when segments are similar in size. Titles and descriptions are crucial for explaining data origins, while peer review can provide fresh perspectives and identify potential issues. These principles, applicable across various BI tools like Metabase, help ensure effective and understandable data presentations.