From the course: Design Theory for Data Visualization

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Rule 4: Avoid extra dimensions

Rule 4: Avoid extra dimensions

From the course: Design Theory for Data Visualization

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Rule 4: Avoid extra dimensions

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- 3D effects may look impressive, but they usually do more harm than good. Avoid extra dimensions in your data visualizations. Take a look at this graph. Confusing, isn't it? Let's break it down together and see what exactly is going wrong. Three dimensional graphs are ineffective at representing data. One of the largest drawbacks is the increased cognitive effort required to process three dimensions compared to a standard two dimensions. Mental strain is created through the use of the Z axis. Introducing depth and angles that are harder for people to interpret. Beyond mental strain, 3D visualizations create perspective distortion. When a chart is tilted or rotated, as must be done to visualize a third dimension, values that are physically closer to the viewer often appear larger than those farther away, even if the data proves otherwise. A tilted view or skewed pie slice make it hard to estimate the actual value they represent. These optical illusions reduce precision and mislead…

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