Reading Response 2

Both the Few and Tidwell readings answer the question of information display in a straight-forward methodical manner. Rules like these are one the things I was hoping to learn from this class, and both were an enjoyable read.

In general, most of what was prescribed made sense, and the questions the readings posed about data are important to keep in mind at all times. As with any set of rules, however, there is potential for over-restriction. Few dismisses the pie chart as a part-of-whole graph, claiming that the sizes of the different slices aren’t easily comparable, instead recommending the use of bar graphs. I disagree. First of all, a pie chart communicates the concept of part-of-whole wonderfully — the data literally adds up to make a whole! More importantly, pie chart slices are quite comparable to anyone who has read an analog clock. Amounts like a halves, thirds and quarters are instantly recognizable at a glance. Smaller proportions become less accurate, but serve to illustrate relative differences rather than allow accurate comparison. In a data set with many such small pieces that need to be compared a bar graph would me more appropriate, but the pie chart should not be dismissed as a tool outright.