I came across this Huff Post article yesterday about how in the near future, only one out of the top five fast food chains is expected to serve hamburgers (McDonald’s), in part because Americans want to eat at higher-quality upscale food chains, like Chipotle, Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks, and Panera. While, I don’t agree with this synopsis, I thought this is perfect opportunity for a Monolyst Makeover. Here’s the data tabulation in it’s original form:
BEFORE
AFTER
Here’s a version of the same information with Monolyst principles applied. Created in Microsoft Word, these changes make the table easier to read and understand without introducing unnecessary complexity or decoration.
- Tables are placed by side for better comparison between 2013 and 2020.
- Unnecessary space between the data columns is removed.
- Dollar signs are placed in the header so they do not make the numbers more difficult to read. This is effective because there are only 3 characters in each number.
- Title is added (missing). Header for Chain Name is removed (unnecessary).
Using Microsoft Excel, here’s how the data can look in a simple bar chart. The column orders are reversed so that the chart progresses from lowest to highest. The white space above the smaller values tells as much of a story as the blue bars themselves. Every piece of color and text in this chart conveys information.