Checklist for Visuals

Content Arrangement
  • Does the visual serve a legimate purpose, clarofying rather than ornamenting the document?
  • Is the visual easy to locate?
  • Is the visual titled and numbered?
  • Are all design elements, including visuals, balanced?
  • Is its complexity approriate to the audience?
  • Is the visual set off by adequate white space or borders?
  • Are all patterns in the visual identified by label or legend?
  • Does the top of a wide visual face the inside binding?
  • Are all values or units of measure specified?
  • Is the visual close to the data it clarifies?
  • Are the numbers accurate and exact?
  • Do the visual relationships represent the numerical relationships accurately?
  • Style
  • Are explanatory notes added as needed?
  • Is this the best type of visual for your purpose and audience?
  • Are all data sources cited?
  • Is the visual uncluttered?
  • Is the visual introduced, discussed, interpreted, integrated with the text, and referred to by number?
  • Is the visual engaging without being too loud or busy?
  • Can the visual stand alone in meaning?
  • Is the visual in good taste?
  • Has written permission been obtained for reproducing or adapting a copyrighted visual for publication?
  • Is the visual used ethically?