The New Jersey Institute of Technology's
Electronic Theses & Dissertations Project

Title:	Sparklines as effective graphics
Author:	Francy, George
View Online:	njit-etd2006-003 (x, 87 pages ~ 6.2 MB pdf)
Department:	Department of Humanities
Degree:	Master of Science
Program:	Professional and Technical Communication
Document Type:	Thesis
Advisory Committee:	Lynch, Robert Edward (Committee chair) Johnson, Carol Siri (Committee member) Elliot, Norbert (Committee member)
Date:	2006-01
Keywords:	Graphical display method Statistical information
Availability:	Unrestricted
Abstract:	This research explores a method of graphical display called a sparkline. Sparklines are a valid method to convey statistical information, supported by an easy familiarity among users and a desire, expressed by information design expert Edward Tufte, for greater density in data display. The subject is examined in light of the broader concept of the integration of pictures and text, tracing this tradition back to medieval illuminated texts, through history to Galileo, and to such diverse modem techniques as emoticons. The historical perspective is expanded upon through an examination of perception theory and implications for data graphics. Ethical issues of graphic display are discussed. A test of sparklines compared with numeric displays for comprehension - possibly the first of its kind - was conducted as part of this project, and the results are reported here. While not without drawbacks, which are discussed, sparklines are demonstrated to be appropriate for certain uses, with a key caveat that they should be accompanied by a means of "drilling down" to the actual data. Sparklines fit into a long tradition of other graphic display methods.