- A
Removing gridlines that do not add value to the chart
Correct. Removing unnecessary gridlines reduces chartjunk and increases the proportion of ink used for data.
- B
Including a detailed company logo on every chart
Why wrong: Logos are non-data ink and reduce the data-ink ratio.
- C
Adding a background image to make the dashboard more visually appealing
Why wrong: Background images are non-data ink and reduce the data-ink ratio.
- D
Using 3-D effects on bars to make them stand out
Why wrong: 3-D effects often distort perception and add non-data ink.
Question 956 of 1,000
DA0-001 Visualising Data Practice Question
This DA0-001 practice question tests your understanding of visualising data. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A dashboard designer is creating a sales performance dashboard and wants to minimize non-data ink to improve clarity. Which action best follows the principle of maximizing the data-ink ratio?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"minimum / minimize"Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Removing gridlines that do not add value to the chart
Option A is correct because it directly follows Tufte's data-ink ratio principle by removing non-data ink (gridlines that don't aid interpretation) while preserving the core data. This maximizes the proportion of ink devoted to actual sales metrics, improving clarity without sacrificing information.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Removing gridlines that do not add value to the chart
Why this is correct
Correct. Removing unnecessary gridlines reduces chartjunk and increases the proportion of ink used for data.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Including a detailed company logo on every chart
Why it's wrong here
Logos are non-data ink and reduce the data-ink ratio.
- ✗
Adding a background image to make the dashboard more visually appealing
Why it's wrong here
Background images are non-data ink and reduce the data-ink ratio.
- ✗
Using 3-D effects on bars to make them stand out
Why it's wrong here
3-D effects often distort perception and add non-data ink.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'visually appealing' (options B, C, D) with effective data communication, not realizing that decorative elements reduce the data-ink ratio and can obscure insights in a professional dashboard.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The data-ink ratio, formalized by Edward Tufte, is defined as (data-ink) / (total ink used in the graphic). Minimizing non-data ink includes removing redundant gridlines, unnecessary borders, and decorative elements. In a sales performance dashboard, subtle gridlines (e.g., light gray, low-opacity) can aid readability, but removing them entirely when axis labels suffice is a common optimization. Real-world tools like Tableau or Power BI allow toggling gridlines and zero-lines to balance clarity and data density.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the DA0-001 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Visualising Data — study guide chapter
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Visualising Data practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DA0-001 question test?
Visualising Data — This question tests Visualising Data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Removing gridlines that do not add value to the chart — Option A is correct because it directly follows Tufte's data-ink ratio principle by removing non-data ink (gridlines that don't aid interpretation) while preserving the core data. This maximizes the proportion of ink devoted to actual sales metrics, improving clarity without sacrificing information.
What should I do if I get this DA0-001 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This DA0-001 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DA0-001 exam.
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