Comments on: Bad Graphics – Funnel Chart

By: Darksem

Darksem — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:31:08 +0000

I agree, the funnel an pyramid charts have stacked parts, so the sizes don’t seem as big a deal as the stack order, so it sorta doesn’t make sense to the reader, plus they don’t vary in size enough (in my opinion) to really show a big enough difference.
I agree entirely,

Score one for simplicity

By: Dear [Fellow] Researchers: « Recording the Musings of a Graduate Student…

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 23:15:06 +0000

[...] If it takes yoy an extensive period of time to ‘figure out’ what it is you’re trying to explain, you’re DOING IT WRONG. [...]

By: Quora

Quora — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 04:24:06 +0000

What is a great way to visually communicate funnel analysis? …

Here is a great article on why not to use an actual funnel chart: http://peltiertech.com/WordPress/bad-graphics-funnel-chart/...

By: Tom Kline

Tom Kline — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 04:21:48 +0000

“These are stacked 3D abominations which sometimes follow a flawed analogy to a physical funnel, just like the pyramid charts in my previous example follow a flawed analogy to an actual pyramid.”

I laughed when I read this line, I deal with a lot of funnel charts on a daily basis that are really just painful to look at. You also stated that there is no reason to overwhelm the user with different colors. Although many would disagree with that logic, I completely agree. A chart should be simple, and to the point. No need for it to look like a box of crayons.

By: Carl Barlow

Carl Barlow — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:46:41 +0000

In your explanation of funnel charts, you say that the value is represented by thickness (like pyramid charts), not by the cross-section area. Actually, I think in the “v3″ versions, the values ARE represented by the cross section areas, which is why the lines point to positions where the slices happen (including the area at the top and bottom of the funnel) rather than pointing to the individual masses. For me, that’s even MORE misleading, because it means that when I see a huge chunk, it doesn’t represent a large value so much as a large DIFFERENCE between two adjacent values. The deltas are more easily perceived than the actual values, which are mainly described in an imaginary third dimension that is partially concealed (or completely concealed if you don’t choose to have the funnel/cone/pyramid break apart at the slices. I also don’t like the restriction of these v3 funnels that the data are sorted from highest to smallest value just to get the funnel effect. Another benefit the alternative methods you suggest is that you’re not locked into that artificial sorting just to attempt to mimic a familiar kitchen implement.

By: Excel Funnel Charts « Methods In Excel

Excel Funnel Charts « Methods In Excel — Tue, 04 May 2010 10:53:07 +0000

[...] Funnel charts don’t make sense. But if theres one thing we can all agree on then its that everyone else is stupid, well maybe not stupid, but not as smart as me and you, thats for sure ;-))). [...]