6.1 Noise

6.2 Simplify

6.3 Redundancy

6.4 Omit

6.1 Information instead of decoration

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.

6.1.1

Avoid 3D visualizations without meaning

Such visualizations make comprehension difficult because, on one hand, they aren't as transparent and, on the other, they also give a false impression due to the consistently high "cap surfaces."

6.1.2

Avoid frames and shades without meaning

Leave out all distracting elements that don't convey meaning since they don't add any value.

6.1.3

Avoid lines, marks, and value axes without meaning

Those charts aimed only at visualizing numerical values will be the easiest to understand.

6.1.4

Avoid layout concepts without meaning

All elements in an exhibit should be avoided which have no meaning for the message to be conveyed.

6.1.5

Avoid colors without meaning

If colors are only used in one instance for decorative purposes, it will be difficult to use them as signal colors in another.

6.1.6

Avoid colored or structured backgrounds without meaning

Numbers and labels are easiest to read when they are black and white. Any type of background color or pattern only makes things harder to read.

6.1.7

Avoid special fonts without meaning

A normal typeface and preferably clear fonts increase legibility. Bold and cursive fonts should be saved for making distinctions.

6.1.8

Avoid gridlines in tables without meaning

Tables are more straightforward when all avoidable elements are omitted. Vertical lines can usually be avoided when column headers for numerical values are right-justified.