The key aspects for a good graphic are plain and simple. The clearer yet more detailed it is, the easier it will be understood. I wish I could be one of those people on the up and up in politics, but let's face it I just don't have the time. So while browsing to get information on the Health Care Bill I came across a very helpful bar graph on a blog for the New York Times Newspaper. The graphic discussed the perspected spending on perscriptive drugs from 2010-2019.
- It used bright colors that were attention getting to anyone who came across it
- It provided specific details describing the purpose of the bar graph, i.e. title and column names
- The numbering on the charts was easy to read, the bar graph obviously shows the different sized bars according to the amount they represent. It can get to be hard to comprehend if the actual amount that the bar stands for isn't included, but this one had it all.
- The style of the bar graph with the descriptiveness made it really easy for someone like me ( technologically impaired and not to politically savvy) to start to understand what on Earth this bill is talking about!
How can a graphic lead to reader confusion? Anytime it's vague or poorly put together is the answer. It is so important to include all the information otherwise you risk completely losing the person's interest. In the same blog I found the bar graph in, I found a line graph on Medicare spendings. I sat at my computer and stared blankly at the screen. "Ahgkhgkjj," what is this graph talking about?!?! It had several titles and it didn't include any specific number amounts. After looking at the chart, I honestly had no idea the amount of spending Meicare did in 2009. So be precise when it comes to giving number amounts!!!!! The last thing I cannot stress enough is timeliness. You need to make sure information with a graphic or just the graphic itself is pertinent to current time. Being a person lost in a political cloud of confusion, someone could post a graphic with information from the decade before this and I would honestly not know the difference. I'm trusting you!!! Do right by me to get me the good, up to date info perspective political authors!!!
Anyone wanna school me on the downlow of this Health Care Reform Bill? Comment, I value feedback=]
I'd like to help you Sammi, but I'm pretty sure I'm in the same boat. Being confused with the whole Health Care thing I've also been looking for graphs and charts that might help me understand. It seems most graphs and articles are made assuming everyone already knows about Health Care Reform.
ReplyDeleteI think you've explained your confusion well. I agree, the bar graph is a lot easier to read than the line graph. Showing the gradual increase in spending is easy to understand here. The line graph on the other hand... I think I understand it a little, but I'm not sure me and the author are on the same page. Ex. What's a "donut hole"?
These graphs are great examples of how some can be easier to read than others. I feel your pain. I'll keep looking for ways to expand my knowledge in the area of Health Care Reform. Until I find a few easy to read graphs I think It might be a bit difficult.
Good luck to you!