Data Visualisation Audit
A practical, structured review of your current visualisations to improve clarity, usefulness, and decision-making confidence.
Here is a sample review so you know what to expect - click 'View solutions' on the cards in the 'Even better if' section to see more.
Northstar Analytics Ltd(not real name)
Examples of strong visualisation practice in your product, with clear explanations of why they work.
Strong typographic hierarchy
Headings, subheadings, and labels are clearly differentiated in size and weight, aiding scan-ability.
Consistent layout structure
The dashboard follows a predictable grid layout that helps users build a mental model quickly.
Effective use of summary KPIs
Key metrics are surfaced prominently, giving users immediate orientation on performance at a glance.
Well-labelled axes and legends
Chart axes are clearly labelled with units, making it easy to interpret the scale and context of data.
Logically placed interactive filters
Filter controls are positioned near the content they affect, reducing cognitive load for users.
Appropriate use of whitespace
Adequate spacing between components prevents the dashboard from feeling cluttered or overwhelming.
Restrained colour palette
The number of distinct colours used is minimal, reducing noise and making categorical differences clearer.
Clear visual grouping of related content
Related charts and metrics are visually grouped using containers or proximity, reducing confusion.
How it works
Simple to get started
- A short call (20-30 minutes), or
- A brief written overview of your product
- A set of screenshots or screen recordings
That's enough to produce a meaningful audit.
Go deeper if needed
- Provide access to your product
- Share data or user context
- Walk through key workflows
What you'll receive
- A tailored set of visualisation principles based on best practice
- Clear examples of what works well in your product
- Targeted recommendations for what could be even better
- Prioritised action points balancing impact and effort
A constructive, not critical process
This is not about pointing out mistakes.
It's about:
- recognising strong practice
- making improvements clear and achievable
- helping your team build better visualisations going forward
Built-in learning for your team
The audit is also designed to leave your team with:
- a reusable framework for evaluating visualisations
- a clearer understanding of why certain approaches work
- practical examples drawn from your own product