Data Density#

Test Type Performed#

Data density is inappropriate (critical).

Artifact Evaluated#

Plotting interface. Specifically, evaluating the interfaces for all charts in our test environment: line, bar, table and scatter plot.

Results Summary#

Plotting interface fails for the scatter plot density. When in the default view, the patterns and amount of data points creates confusing overlaps, hard to distinguish patterns, and high cognitive load.

Expected Behavior (Pass/Fail)#

  • FAIL - Data must be presented at an appropriate density. If more too many elements are competing for the same space (approximate limit is based on cognitive load): clustering or patterns (or lack of) must be explained, chart must be aggregated to a higher level with less elements, or chart must be divided into smaller charts with less data. Visual density should serve a purpose, such as retaining the data’s signal (when appropriate).

Image or Video of Failure#

A scatter plot is shown. A red circle is highlighting an area with three data sets differentiated by squares, circles, and triangles. From this view, it is hard to tell the patterns apart - they all look similar (fails).

A scatter plot is shown. A red circle is highlighting an area with three data sets differentiated by squares, circles, and triangles. From this view, it is hard to tell the patterns apart - they all look similar (fails).#

Guidelines and Standards Used#

Data density is inappropriate (critical) https://chartability.github.io/POUR-CAF/#**datadensityisinappropriate_**critical_

Technical Details#

  • Chrome Version 129.0.6668.59 (64-bit)

  • Windows 11 Build 22631.3958

Updated as of: September 18th, 2024