As an instructional designer (that’s not a made-up term; it’s actually my day job), crap like this drives me crazy.
Gregory Ferenstein wants to convince of the benefits of a “walking desk” — a desk attached to a treadmill — over a traditional sitting desk. His article uses this graphic:
OMG THATS A HUGE DIFFERENCE! YOU BURN LIKE NEARLY 5 TIMES AS MANY CALORIES!
Wait, no. Look at the numbers. A better graph — a graph that was meant to help people really understand the difference — would look like this:
That’s more accurate, but the difference doesn’t look quite so impressive.
Of course, you might argue that the author’s graph is completely accurate — after all, his axis lists the numbers. But if you’re making people reference these two very simple numbers anyway, then what’s the point of the graph? The point should be that some people take in this stuff better with pictures. The point should be to give as accurate a view as possible through the picture alone.
The author’s graphic does nothing but manipulate the viewer into a faulty first impression about how big the difference is. Even if the reader checks the numbers, this initial feeling remains. Instructional designers call this gut reaction the “affective response” and it has a powerful impact both on learning and how to use what you’ve learned effectively.
What I find mordantly funny is this: Why did the author stop there? If you’re going to skew your graphic for false effect, why not go further and do this:
It’s as technically “accurate” as the original, and its impact is even bigger!
Two last points: First, I should recognize that the author of the piece may not have created or signed off on the graph. Second, yes, this is what I obsess over all day, both at work and when I’m blogging — aren’t you glad you aren’t my boyfriend?
Skeptical dog says, “Mm hmm…”
And I guess a third thing: I’ve been guilty of the same practice. Damn, I hate when that happens. I suppose the lesson is that every time you see a graph, you need to fold your arms, cock an eyebrow, tilt back your head, say, “Mm hmmm…” and check it out before you get all excited.