Same Data, Completely Different Story
Company revenue over 6 months:
102k, 103k, 108k
Chart A: Y-axis starts at $0
- Revenue looks flat, barely any growth
- Impression: Stagnant company
Chart B: Y-axis starts at $95k
- Revenue looks like dramatic 13% growth
- Impression: Booming company
Same exact data. Different emotional impact.
The lesson: Chart design is a persuasion tool. Visual choices determine the story. Always check the axis scale before reacting to any chart.