dragoon0x Data Storytelling
Data Narrative Principles
- Lead with the insight, not the data. "Sales doubled in Q3" before showing the chart.
- One story per chart. If a chart tells two stories, make two charts.
- Annotate the interesting parts. Labels on peaks, dips, and inflection points.
- Provide context. "42% increase" compared to what? Industry average? Last year? Goal?
- Design for the audience. Executives want conclusions. Analysts want data.
Chart Annotation
- Callout labels on data points that matter.
- Reference lines for targets/goals/averages.
- Shaded regions for time periods of interest.
- Brief text annotations explaining anomalies.
Presentation Order
- Headline: The conclusion in one sentence.
- Chart: Visual evidence.
- Context: Comparison, trend, benchmark.
- Implication: What this means for the business.
- Action: What to do about it.