Description

Isotype chart (also known as pictogram) is a type of visualization that uses icons or symbols to represent data series. It uses relative sizes or repetitions of the same icon or symbol to show comparison.

When to Use

Isotype chart can be used as an alternative to the bar/column chart as it’s visually more appealing. But note that it should be used only when comparing a few simple data series. It also should not be used when data value is close as it’s difficult to see the differences.

Dos

• Use simple and symmetrical icon or symbol
• Label the data value

Don'ts

• Don’t using partial icons except using square as an icon
• Don’t shrink icon or symbol to show the quantitative information

Tools available

Other chart types of comparison