30.6 Defaults

Software packages always offer default ways of drawing. With graphics there will be default sizes and aspect ratios, default point sizes and shapes, default scales, default axis and line thicknesses, default typefaces and fontsizes, default colour schemes. There are defaults of all kinds, many of which are rarely thought about—and may not need to be thought about often.

Descriptions of how the graphics in this book were drawn refer to using the defaults offered by R or to changing them to achieve a particular effect. Different softwares have different defaults. Organisations define their own defaults to provide a consistent and uniform design. A newspaper looks different to other newspapers because it has its own standard layout and uses a specific typeface. Its graphics look different because they are drawn in a particular, consistent style.

The look of a graphic can be changed considerably by changing the defaults. What is ideal for some purposes may be not so good for others. Sophisticated packages offer complete control and, consequently, can be complex to use. If many graphics are drawn quickly to explore data, the defaults should be sensible, so that time does not have to be spent making adjustments. Analysts should be able to concentrate on content, not on details of presentation.

Main points

• Scaling, formatting, space, and layout all influence how information stands out.
• Scales should be readable and meaningful.
• There are many formatting tools. Think about what effect they will have before using them.
• Space is needed around features to see information.
• Comparisons benefit from common scales, appropriate alignment, and closeness.