figuresbut

Figuresbut is a concept in data visualization and narrative design that describes a method of presenting quantitative figures together with textual qualifiers in a single display. The core idea is to pair a numerical figure with a but clause that frames the figure with contextual nuance, uncertainty, or alternative interpretation.

Origin and usage: The term appears in theoretical discussions and design exercises aimed at exploring how readers interpret statistics when accompanied by narrative qualifiers. It is typically used in hypothetical case studies or classroom settings to examine how language affects perception of data.

Design characteristics: A figuresbut display usually features a prominent numeric figure, a concise unit label, and a textual qualifier introduced by but, such as “figures but the sample is non-representative” or “figures but limited by sample size.” The approach emphasizes balance between precision and interpretive context. Interactive variants may allow users to toggle the “but” narrative to observe how interpretation shifts.

Applications: Used in education to teach data literacy, in journalism to illustrate uncertainty, and in design studies as a critique of standard graphs that omit caveats. It can serve as a tool for examining how design choices influence trust and comprehension.

Reception: In practice, figuresbut is discussed as a thought experiment rather than a widely adopted method. Proponents argue it improves transparency by foregrounding qualifiers; critics worry that mixed formats may confuse readers if not clearly labeled and appropriately tested.