Every dataset has a story. Discover which chart reveals it most clearly, and learn how bad design can hide the truth, or even lie outright.
The same data can tell radically different stories depending on the chart you choose. In this guide, you'll pick the right chart type for four real datasets, then expose five classic techniques used to deceive with visualization.
Select a dataset, read the analytical question, and pick the chart type that answers it best.
Choose a dataset
Your question
“How do test scores vary across classes?”
Which chart type best answers the question?
Five real chart design techniques used to deceive. Reveal each one to see the honest version.
“Revenue appears to have nearly doubled year-over-year.”
This chart hides something important. Can you spot the deception before revealing?
“Stock up 73%, showing only the second half of the year (from 55 to 95).”
This chart hides something important. Can you spot the deception before revealing?
“COVID cases and temperature appear to rise and fall together.”
This chart hides something important. Can you spot the deception before revealing?
“Slice A (30%) appears to dominate despite being the smallest segment.”
This chart hides something important. Can you spot the deception before revealing?
“The middle series appears to 'bulge' dramatically, suggesting rapid growth.”
This chart hides something important. Can you spot the deception before revealing?