Design Principle
Visual ink in charts and metrics should serve data, thresholds, and exceptions before decorative grids.
Principle Visual ink in charts and metrics should serve data, thresholds, and exceptions before decorative grids.
Design action Reduce grid and decoration; emphasize data marks, key points, thresholds, outlier labels, and current-state explanations.
Examples Positive example: KPIs, trend charts, dashboards, and operational alerts need fast difference detection. Counterexample: Chart backgrounds, grids, and gradients are stronger than data marks.
Apply when KPIs, trend charts, dashboards, and operational alerts need fast difference detection. 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.
Agent Directive
Reduce grid and decoration; emphasize data marks, key points, thresholds, outlier labels, and current-state explanations.