Here’s a counterintuitive dataviz principle:

Sometimes, it’s easier to understand several small graphs than a single graph.

I was recently working with an organization to visualize which states were using their software programs.

States might use:

• Software A
• Software B
• Or, both software A and B

Before: A Single Multicolor Map

Here’s what their visualization looked like.

They had a single U.S. map with one color for each scenario:

• one color for states using Software A
• another color for states using Software B, and
• another color for States using A and B.

Fairly straightforward, right?

It took us a while to spot patterns, though. Three colors is a lot to understand at once. It’s not impossible, but we had to think about it for a moment.

Multicolor (well, multi-hue) maps take a while to interpret.

Multi-hue maps aren’t colorblind-friendly. Here’s a simulation of what the map would look thanks to https://www.color-blindness.com/coblis-color-blindness-simulator/.  

Multicolor maps aren’t grayscale-friendly, either.

After: Small Multiples Maps with One Color Each

In lieu of a multicolor map, try small multiples!

In the redesign, we created three maps instead of one.

Now, we’re showing a single variable on each map, so the audience can understand it at a glance.

Small multiples binary maps (your dark brand color + light gray) are often faster to read than mutli-hue maps. It’s counterintuitive, I know. We’re asking people to read three maps instead of one. But, three fast maps will beat one slow map any day of the week.

Small multiples binary maps are colorblind-friendly. Everyone can spot the dark brand color vs. the light gray.

Finally, small multiples binary maps are grayscale-friendly. Everyone can distinguish the dark gray vs. light gray.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Both styles fit on a single page (a goal in their project).

Both styles have room for explanatory sentences (something I recommend in all one-pagers).

Only the small multiples version is colorblind-friendly and grayscale-friendly. I’d argue that the small multiples version is faster to read, too.

Download the Files

Want to explore my Excel file and Word doc?

You’ll see:

• How I formatted the Excel table that feeds into the maps
• How I arranged everything inside good ol’ Word

Download them here: https://depictdatastudio.gumroad.com/l/SmallMultiplesMapsInExcel

Your Turn

Have you split your multicolor map into small multiples?! Get in touch when you apply this technique to your own projects.