6 Avoid complication

The rule group SIMPLIFY involves making every aspect of the selected forms of visualization as simple as possible. In good reports and presentations, this requires avoiding any visualization details where possible that are merely “pleasing to the eye.” Today the greatest obstacle to implementing this requirement stems from a false interpretation of corporate design – especially in larger organizations. There are unfortunately numerous "design" concepts for the layout of reports and presentations that are not limited to the layout of the cover page and meaningful central guidelines such as for grids, fonts, and a color palette. Rather they also serve as a hindrance with oversize logos (on every single page!), useless frames, background images, and other ornamentation.
Below is a list of general requirements that should apply for every serious effort in designing documents for business communication.

6.1

Avoid noise: Information instead of decoration

IT "noise" refers to any form of “design" which does not contribute to the comprehension of the information to be conveyed. Typical examples of this include pseudo-3D, frames, background patterns, shades, and unnecessary colors. Nothing should be visualized which does not have meaning. Rule 6.1.5 is shown on the left as an illustration. More...

6.2

Simplify content: Less is more

This concerns simplifying complicated visualizations in such a way that they can be understood faster and easier. Whereas "Avoid noise" involves omitting entire style elements, the aim here is to find the correct and simplest possible style elements. Rule 6.2.1 is shown on the left as an illustration. More...

6.3

Minimize redundancy: Focused information

Redundancy refers to duplicate elements which are unnecessary for comprehension. A certain amount of redundancy is needed for comprehension, but needless redundancy makes comprehension difficult. A typical example of needless redundancy is naming an annual figure twelve times in a chart with twelve monthly values. Rule 6.3.3 is shown on the left as an illustration. More...

6.4

Omit distracting details: Concentration on the essentials

In addition to Avoid noise, Simplify content, and Minimize redundancy, the rule also applies to omitting what is unessential to conveying information. Examples of this include unnecessarily large numbers and disproportionately detailed information in overviews of articles or projects. Rule 6.4.3 is shown on the left as an illustration. More...