The above stairs metaphor highlights important elements to consider when creating visualizations.
The first step is to choose the right visualization format and graphic elements. Is text sufficient that uses simple icons, do you require a realistic image, or will abstract diagrams, appealing visual metaphors, or geographic maps capture your ideas.
Finally, make your visualization unique, insightful and appealing: reframe issues by presenting them in a different way, surprise your viewers by breaking expectations, and intrigue them through new metaphors, patterns and visual effects.
Then check if you have avoided potential pitfalls of visualization: don’t overload it with unstructured elements, don’t oversimplify your messages, try not to abuse or confuse with visual schemas, and make ambiguous forms clear through labeling. It may also be better to steer away from already over-used stereotypical pictures.
Use the same elements to facilitate recognition and stress unity
When filling the graphic background space, you need to respect certain design principles: Use alignment to create groups and borders, employ repetition to create unity, use contrast to focus attention, group things that are similar closely together and be consistent in your use of colors, shapes, symbols.
left top means first, right bottom means last
round is harmonious and well, edgy is perceived as risky.
the lighter the less emphasis
downhill is negative, uphill is positive
blue signals cool, red signals danger, yellow signals alert
The second step is to think about how to use the basic graphic elements such as size, shape or position to map information unto space.