1. Concise and clear: the chart should be concise and clear to avoid too much information and complicated design. Every chart should have a clear goal, that is, to convey a specific message or point of view.
2. Select the appropriate chart type: select the most appropriate chart type according to the data type to be displayed and the target. For example, if you want to compare different categories of data, you can choose a bar chart or a pie chart; If you want to show the changes of data over time, you can choose a line chart.
3. Use clear labels: the title, axis label and legend of the chart should be clear and easy to understand. Avoid using overly complicated or technical terms unless you are sure that your readers can understand them.
4. Provide explanation and analysis: the chart itself cannot explain the data. You need to provide explanations and analysis in the article. Explain the main findings of the chart, discuss its significance and how it supports your argument.
5. Check the accuracy of the chart: Make sure that your chart accurately reflects your data. Check all the figures, proportions and units to make sure they are correct.
6. Use professional software: There are many professional drawing software, such as Excel, SPSS, R, etc., which can help you make high-quality charts. These softwares usually provide many preset chart templates and formats, which can help you make beautiful charts quickly.
7. Quote source: If your chart is based on other people's research or data, remember to quote the source correctly. This is not only a respect for the original author, but also an important step to avoid plagiarism.
Generally speaking, it takes time and energy to design and present charts, but if it is done well, it can greatly improve the quality and readability of your paper.