Usability support: "You did not get the expected chart?"
As a DE user
When using the chart features
Then I sometimes get charts that do not have the expected content and I would like to know why this happens and what can be done to get the chart as expected.
Solution
Below the chart, add a box titled "You did not get the expected chart?" (localised text) that is collapsed by default. When the user clicks on the box title then the box opens and displays configurable, localised text specific for each chart type with hints about chart business rules and how the user can change chart options in order to design the chart according to his/her needs.
E.g. for bar chart:
You did not get the expected chart?
-
All bars are grey and cannot be distinguished?
Bars are only coloured if especially highlighted, otherwise their sole purpose is to provide a general size overview of all the categories. Use the highlight feature under the 'Customise' menu to choose the bars for which you would like to apply colours. There is a predefined colour sequence (maximum 6 repeated colours) thus the order of the highlight selection is significant. -
The bars are not labelled?
Bars are only labelled if there is enough space for those labels. The minimum required vertical space for labels is 50% of the chart size. Increase the chart height until labels are displayed. Also, sometimes the horizontal space is insufficient, thus please also try increasing the chart width. You'll find these options under the 'Customise' menu. -
The bars represent time periods but they are not ordered chronologically?
The bar chart is being used to compare the statistical values of different categories, and in order to ease this comparison, bars are always ordered ascending by the statistical values. If you intent to visualise a chronological trend then use the timeline chart instead. -
The chart doesn't have the desired size or axis scaling?
Use the various chart customisation options that you'll find under the 'Customise' menu.
E.g. for timeline chart:
You did not get the expected chart?
-
All lines are grey and cannot be distinguished?
Timelines are only coloured if especially highlighted, otherwise their sole purpose is to provide a general trend overview of all the timelines. Use the highlight feature under the 'Customise' menu to choose the timelines for which you would like to apply colours. There is a predefined colour sequence (maximum 6 repeated colours) thus the order of the highlight selection is significant. -
The lines are not labelled?
Lines are only labelled if especially highlighted. Use the highlight feature under the 'Customise' menu to choose the timelines for which you would like to see labels. -
The chart is not generated and you see a message 'There is no data for the current selection. Please change the selection.'?
Timeline charts need data covering at least 2 time periods. Check and increase the currently selected time range. -
The chart doesn't have the desired size or axis scaling?
Use the various chart customisation options that you'll find under the 'Customise' menu.
Design integration example
Edited by jean-baptiste nonin