DA0-002 Visualization and Reporting Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates 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.
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
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.
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.
- ✗
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.
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