Show the data
Induce viewers to think about the substance rather than about methodology, graphic design, the technology of graphic production or something else.
Avoid distorting what the data has to say.
Present many numbers in a small place.
Make large data set coherent
Encourage the eye to compare different pieces of data.
Reveal the data at several levels of detail.
From broad overview to the fine structure
Serve a reasonably clear purpose. Description exploration tabulation or decoration.
Be closely integrated with the statistical and verbal description of a data set
Graphics reveal data. Indeed graphics can be more precise and revealing than conventional statistical computations.
