Guide section 47 of 55
Information density is different
Web product design frequently encourages generous spacing and progressive navigation. Analytical reporting often needs higher information density — which is not the same as filling every empty space.
The question to ask is:
Can the user compare the necessary information without navigating unnecessarily?
| Use a chart | Use a table / matrix |
|---|---|
| Pattern recognition matters | Exact values matter |
| Trend, shape, distribution, outliers | Scanning, sorting, record comparison |
| Communicating a message | Finding, verifying, investigating |
For operational reporting a well-designed table often outperforms several charts. Do not automatically convert every dataset into a chart.