Tufte Data Visualization

Apply Edward Tufte's principles whenever generating or reviewing code that renders data visually. This skill covers chart generation, not slide/presentation design.

Workflow

Follow these steps in order when creating any chart:

Step 1: Identify the message

Before writing code, determine:

1. The key finding or trend the chart must make visible.
2. The comparison context — a baseline, prior period, target, or peer group. A number without context is meaningless.
3. The chart type that best fits the data structure (see Chart type guidance below).

Step 2: Apply universal rules

Review the rules below. Every rule is a default — deviate only when the user explicitly requests otherwise.