What to change
Ask your supplier to distinguish each meaningful series through labels or other clear cues and provide an appropriate readable version of the information.
A worked example
Illustrative example
A portal comparison uses named lines with different markers and provides the same values in a table, so the visitor can verify which series they are reading.
Why this matters to your practice
A chart should communicate its message without requiring perfect colour discrimination. If two lines show different services or periods, their labels and other distinguishing features should make the comparison understandable. Ask your supplier to explain the chart in words and provide a suitable readable alternative. Then compare that explanation with what the visual actually shows. A decorative chart that leaves visitors guessing about the meaning of its lines is less useful than a simpler, clearly labelled presentation.
A practical review example
A comparison chart may show two branches with lines that differ only by similar colours. Ask the supplier to identify them without relying on hue and demonstrate any supporting table. Try the legend and point details using a keyboard, then narrow the chart. Labels should remain attached to the correct values. Additional patterns or markers are useful only if they improve recognition; adding several decorative distinctions to a crowded chart can leave the comparison just as difficult to understand.
How to check the result
Accept when each series can be identified and its relevant values understood without matching colours across distant parts of the chart.
A mistake to avoid
Adding patterns to a visually crowded chart can increase clutter; test whether the chosen alternative actually improves recognition.
Turn reading into a next step
Your action checklist
Work through these checks with your team or supplier. Tick the ones you have resolved and leave unknowns open.
Record what you know, what is still missing and the answer you need from your team or supplier.
Use project decisions only, without personal, patient or confidential details. Entries stay in this page and are not submitted to Kay & Co. Copy or download before leaving; this page does not save your notes.
Further reading
These sources provide background for the topic. The practice examples and checklist are illustrative planning suggestions from Kay & Co.
Related guides
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