Sublime

First show the chart and stop talking.

Why it may be effective.

This deep-seated belief that more is better, that complex equals smart, must be eradicated. That’s not what makes charts good.

Start sketching.

Practice doing these three things:

This plot wouldn’t play well projected on a screen.

In general, a design will feel simpler if

Why it may be deceptive.

At their best, today’s digital tools help us see more, retain more, communicate more. At their worst, they leave us prey to the manipulation of the toolmakers.