Design Principle
Operational charts are often scanned quickly; small-chart readability matters more than expressive form.
Principle
Operational charts are often scanned quickly; small-chart readability matters more than expressive form.
Design action
Small charts keep title, unit, time range, and anomaly labels; reduce categories and place legends near data.
Examples
Positive example: Sparklines, KPI charts, and small analytics panels need trend readability at small sizes. Counterexample: Charts lack axis, unit, or time range.
Apply when
Sparklines, KPI charts, and small analytics panels need trend readability at small sizes. Users need to judge state, scope, risk, or next action quickly.
Source notes
Source note: Synthesized from Apple HIG, Material Design, NN/g usability principles, and layout/hierarchy practices in mature design systems. Apple HIG Layout: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/layout Material Design Layout: https://m3.material.io/foundations/layout/applying-layout NN/g Visual Design Principles: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/principles-visual-design/
Agent Directive
Small charts keep title, unit, time range, and anomaly labels; reduce categories and place legends near data.