Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Line Chart to Small Multiples – Remaking a NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Graph

Ann K. Emery
Last updated: 

Apr 11th, 2025

Related resources:

, , , , , ,
Thumbnail

I recently saw this graph on LinkedIn.

The topic caught my attention, but I was worried that the internet weirdos would ignore it because the axis doesn’t start at zero.

People will create all sorts of excuses to ignore data and facts.

I also wanted to try a column chart.

And someone else commented on LinkedIn that the number of honorable mentions – which increased this year – could be helpful to see.

In all my “spare” time on a Friday afternoon, I re-made it:

The dot dot dot title for small multiples graphs… swoon. <3

I love using takeaway titles that extend across the page (to help readers see how the graphs are connected).

Behind the Scenes

More info about my thought process, and some Excel and PowerPoint how-to’s.

What’s Inside

  • 0:00 Welcome
  • 0:20 The original line chart
  • 1:38 The edited column chart
  • 2:18 What about honorable mentions?
  • 3:00 Ann’s drafts
  • 4:30 Finished product – the small multiples column chart
  • 6:23 Behind the scenes in PowerPoint
  • 6:40 Questions? Comments?

Download the Excel File

It’s here: https://depictdatastudio.kit.com/remaking-nsf-graph

More about Ann K. Emery
Ann K. Emery is a sought-after speaker who is determined to get your data out of spreadsheets and into stakeholders’ hands. Each year, she leads more than 100 workshops, webinars, and keynotes for thousands of people around the globe. Her design consultancy also overhauls graphs, publications, and slideshows with the goal of making technical information easier to understand for non-technical audiences.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You Might Like

Soar Beyond the Dusty Shelf Report

Our complimentary mini course for beginners to dataviz. Takes 45 minutes to complete.

Enroll

Make a Drop-Down List in Excel

Are you typing data directly into Excel? (Rather than exporting it from a database?) If so, drop-down lists can save time and reduce typos. Here’s how to make them in Excel with a feature called Data Validation.

More »

Great Graphs

Inside our flagship dataviz course, you’ll learn software-agnostic skills that can (and should!) be applied to every software program. You’ll customize graphs for your audience, go beyond bar charts, and use accessible colors and text.

Enroll

Spreadsheets to Stories
Weekly Newsletter

You’ll receive:
  • how-to tutorials about data management, analysis, visualization, and storytelling;
  • spreadsheets to download so you can try it yourself; and
  • the latest info about our online courses.

    Our weekly newsletter is shared with a community of 8,000 professionals.