№ 08
The Rare Exception of Omitting Interactive Chart Guidance in Data Visualization Style Guides
Many style guides provide little detail on interactive and animated charts, likely because implementation options vary widely.
The UK Office for National Statistics guide is a strong exception. It outlines interaction patterns (hover, scrolling, inputs), explains when interactivity is useful, and includes practical implementation considerations.
It also addresses tradeoffs directly: interactions can hide key insights or increase user effort, so interactivity should be used intentionally rather than by default.
Jonathan Schwabish, PhD is an economist, writer, and educator known for helping organizations communicate research and policy findings with clarity and accessibility.