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.
Agent Directive
Small charts keep title, unit, time range, and anomaly labels; reduce categories and place legends near data.