Above all else show the data: This is a reminder not to clutter
a chart by adding unnecessary illus-tration or decoration.
Maximize the data-ink ratio, within reason: This refers to the
portion of the ink that is devoted to displaying the data versus
the portion of a graphic that can be removed without losing the
data.
Erase non-data-ink, within reason.
Erase redundant data ink, within reason.The third and fourth
data principles, “Erase non-data-ink” and “Erase redundant data
ink”are somewhat related to maximizing the data-ink ratio.
Non-data-ink is a part of the chartthat decorates more than
informs. Redundant data ink is ink that repeats information.
Revise and edit. Charts can be improved in much the same way
that writing is improved: by revi-sion and editing