figuresthat

Figuresthat is a term used in information design and data journalism to describe a class of figures that combine visual representation with embedded narrative elements. In this usage, figures are not merely labeled charts; they are designed to tell a story by integrating concise textual explanations, data-driven annotations, and interactive controls directly within the graphic.

Typical features include data-driven captions, overlays that reveal underlying values on interaction, accessible color and typography choices, semantic markup for machine readability, and responsive layouts that adapt to different devices. Unlike traditional charts with separate captions, figuresthat integrate explanation and data into a single visual unit.

Origins and scope: the term is not widely standardized and appears mainly in contemporary design discourse and some educational contexts. It emphasizes a design goal: a figure that communicates context and conclusions alongside the data, reducing the need for long accompanying text.

Applications and examples: in journalism, figuresthat are used to present key metrics with embedded annotations that highlight notable datapoints and trends. In education and science communication, they help learners connect data points to narrative cues. Implementations often rely on interactive features such as tooltips, toggle switches, and zoomable axes.

Limitations and considerations: designers must balance information density and clarity, ensure accessibility for screen readers, and avoid misleading emphasis. When well executed, figuresthat can enhance comprehension, while poorly designed versions risk overload or misinterpretation.

See also: data visualization; narrative visualization; annotated graph; interactive graphic.