Charts and graphs
Introduction
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But what about a graph or chart?
A good graph or chart can convey the same level of meaning as paragraphs and paragraphs of text.
In this section, we set out the basics behind drawing and creating great graphs and charts, so you can take your communications to the next level.
Style
The Three Dots is one of the key elements in our new visual identity.
The basic module for creating graphs and charts is directly derived from the circular dot shape.
Colors
dsm-firmenich has a very wide and flexible color palette inspired by real-life tones. This palette consists of seven colors, each featuring five different hues, allowing for flexibility in the brand's language to meet various context and touchpoint requirements.
When creating charts and graphs, you have the option to utilize any color from this palette.
Colors and categories
Colors can take inspiration from the topic or the category of the data portrayed.
Please remember to only use colors from the dsm-firmenich palette, and choose colors appropriate for the data you are displaying.
These materials are for internal use only. All images, fonts, logos, and copy are for illustration purposes only, and remain subject to licence and clearance checks.
Color hierarchy
Just as different colors can be used to represent various data categories, different color hues can be employed to illustrate trends in data related to specific topics.
Lighter shades from the palette can signify lower figures, while darker shades can indicate higher figures.
Where appropriate, different color hues can be used to label different data categories.
More than five colors
When creating a chart or graph with more than five data points to insert, it is possible to add more colors using the adjacent right column of the palette while maintaining the hue scale.
For example, if you are designing a pie chart with eight data points and your starting color is green, the first five data points should be in order: Green 1, Green 2, Green 3, Green 4, and Green 5. Once you have used all the colors from the Green palette but still have three more data points to insert, you can utilize the adjacent right column on the palette. The next colors to be added should be Blue 1, Blue 2, and Blue 3.
Color combinations
This slide displays all the color combinations for charts and graphs with more than five data points.
When you exhaust all the colors in a single column of the palette, you can incorporate additional colors from the adjacent right column.
Each pie chart represents a starting and primary color scheme, as well as a secondary one to be used when the primary colors are exhausted, corresponding to the colors from the adjacent right column.
Typologies
Each category of charts and graphs can contain different types of designs. Remember to choose the right chart based on the complexity of the data you need to visualize and the context in which you will use it.
The example represents two different designs of a pie chart: one simpler and one more complex.
The simpler design is more suited for everyday use, which appear in presentations and reports.
The more complex design can be used to represent more intricate data and is ideal for use in brochures or annual reports.
Column diagrams
In column diagrams, the basic dot shape can be elongated, resembling a classic column with perfectly round corners.
Column diagrams Vertical
In column diagrams, the basic dot shape can be elongated, resembling a classic column with perfectly round corners.
Column diagrams Horizontal
In column diagrams, the basic dot shape can be elongated, resembling a classic column with perfectly round corners.
Column diagrams Overlay
In column diagrams, the basic dot shape can be elongated, resembling a classic column with perfectly round corners. Also, different colors can be used to represent a different trend between data.
Pie charts
In pie charts, different segments with different colors can represent different data values.
The construction of pie charts, the arrangement of segments and their orientation are carried out in accordance with the software used; the important thing is to use colors consistently with the rules expressed earlier in this chapter.
Bubble graphs Simple
In bubble graphs, different colors can be used to represent a different trend between data.
Bubble graphs Complex
In bubble graphs, different colors can be used to represent a different trend between data.
In bubble graphs, different dimensions and colors can represent different data values of the same topic.
Line graphs
In line graphs, the basic dot shape can be elongated, resembling a line with round corners.
Also, different colors can be used to represent a different trend between data.
Maps
Different colours should be used to represent different areas, trends or data.
Additionally, varying shades of the same color can be used to visually compare different values of the same data or topic.
Organizational charts
Within organizational charts, the basic dot module is used in outline. It highlights data or compares them to each other.
Application examples
Examples of graphs and charts in application.
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Exceptions
It may happen that in certain circumstances, or when using specific applications (in particular, Microsoft Office applications), it is not possible to use charts with the shapes and features described in the previous pages.
Only in these situations, and only for an everyday not institutional use, squareshaped bars or diagrams can be used as an alternative when dot-inspired shapes are not supported in the application.
However, it's advisable to use them sparingly.
Don'ts
Here are some examples of incorrect graphs and charts usage.
