Charts help us explore data by revealing patterns and outliers we'd never spot in text alone.

They help explain concepts more intuitively. And they help us share information in a way that reaches people quickly and widely — which also makes accuracy and clarity even more important.

Good visualisation is not about making things simpler; it's about making them clearer. That means choosing meaningful chart types, keeping text readable, avoiding unnecessary clutter and using colour intentionally.

It means guiding readers through complex visuals and ensuring charts can stand on their own — because they will be shared on their own.

Above all, transparency matters: clear sources, clear methods, and ideally reproducible charts.

Ask these questions when you're reviewing a chart: Is the chart meaningful? Clear? Interpretable? Justifiable? Reproducible?

If the answers are yes, it's doing its job.

If you're looking for a practical guide to data visualisation – this article by Saloni Dattani will give you all the detail you need. Check it out here.