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

Updated on: Apr 11th, 2025

Before/After Data Visualization Makeovers, Color-Coding by Category, Icons, Microsoft Excel, Small Multiples, Titles, YouTube Videos

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.

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