ClimateVisInterviews Several lay viewers avoided interpreting charts they perceived as too technical. Among the tested chart types, dense line charts were perceived as particularly confusing, suggesting that overly complex designs can discourage engagement.
VisWorkshops Workshop participants were overwhelmed by complex charts that displayed many data points or dimensions at once, leading to incorrect conclusions.
SciAmMessageAnalysis Our field notes show that cluttered or dense chart designs, unfamiliar compositions, and excessive elements made it harder to interpret individual components or relate data across time or categories. Viewers found multi-part designs helpful but sometimes overwhelming when not coherently structured.
Some lay viewers may feel overwhelmed by technical-looking or dense visualizations. Overly complex designs with too many data features risk confusion. Simplifying visual density and ensuring elements are easily interpretable can help maintain engagement.
VisLiteracySurvey In a representative* survey, viewers evaluated a bar chart on comparing countries’ CO₂ emissions that implemented multiple icons and colors. Some viewers appreciated visual elements like a cloud icon (symbolizing CO₂ emissions), circular markers (indicating increases or decreases), and national flags (marking countries), while others found them irritating or “too much”. These mixed reactions highlight that perception of visual elements varies among viewers and they also suggest that avoiding purely decorative embellishments may reduce confusion.
*representative sample of Austria’s age groups 18–74 years and their male/female gender split, with n = 438
VisProducerInterviews While some practitioners viewed aesthetics as secondary to clarity, others stressed its value for attracting attention. One interviewee described deliberately using hand-drawn, low-threshold visuals during COVID to avoid alienating less confident readers, saying that such styles can be off-putting.
SciAmInterviews However, Scientific American designers caution that visualizations should not only be simplified but also carefully crafted aesthetically to foster emotional connection; they employ form, color, and even graphic novel formats to engage audiences and make climate data more relatable and resonant. In this view, aesthetics are deliberately used to enhance the message and reach new audiences, balancing clarity with emotional impact.
Avoid purely decorative embellishments, as they may distract or confuse rather than clarify. Though visual elements like icons may also support understanding when meaningfully tied to the data (see 1. Context, item: “Is key context embedded…”).
ClimateVisInterviews Lay viewers often relied on color, title, and layout to interpret complex visuals. When these cues were vague or perceived as too dense, they struggled or disengaged. Dramatic color schemes, like red text on a black background, were seen as manipulative by some, while others found them engaging but potentially biased. Experts were less affected.
CrisisMapSensemaking In our crisis map studies, young digitally native viewers heavily relied on color to interpret regional data. Misinterpretations occurred, for example, when red was assumed to show heat instead of water stress, underscoring the possible advantages of testing color associations with viewers.
SciAmMessageAnalysis Color was frequently used for grouping and decoding meaning or to distinguish timepoints or scenarios. However, viewers were challenged by some color choices, like finding it difficult to differentiate between red and orange on a single line.
When different visual elements carry equal weight, some key insights can be lost. Strategic emphasis, such as highlighting key lines, dimming background data, or structuring layout, can guide attention without relying on animation or interaction.