The Chart Quality Checklist

Ten items. Every chart passes all ten before publication. One: title that states the insight, not the topic ("Revenue grew 23% in Q3" not "Q3 Revenue"). Two: labeled axes with units. Three: data source cited. Four: y-axis starts at zero unless explicitly disclosed otherwise. Five: color usage accessible to colorblind viewers. Six: no more than five series per chart. Seven: chart type matches the data relationship. Eight: no 3D effects. Nine: legend is positioned for immediate comprehension. Ten: the chart answers a specific question that the audience cares about. Ten items. If the chart fails any one, it is not ready. The checklist is not perfectionism. It is the minimum standard for honest data communication.