Object-Level Text
Reports can contain a lot of features that aren’t obvious at first glance or at all. Don’t make your audience wonder how to use your report. Design your reports with tips and information that enable your audience to dig into the data without stumbling.
Quick Hints
Adding hints to a page or report object can be a smart way to provide information to your audience. Page real estate is limited, especially when a report is destined for mobile devices, so brevity is important. However, a hint such as, “Select the needle plot to filter the table” is short and empowers your audience quickly.
Labels are Powerful
Don’t overlook labels. They are a powerful way to make reports easier to use.
Pages
Clearly title and describe each page in the report. Describe its data, types of report objects, and any interactions between report objects.
Report objects
Clearly title and describe each report object. Describe the type of report object (bubble chart, line chart, active web link, and so forth). Including this information is critical for any audience members who use screen reader technology.
Axes
Carefully consider how to label each axis in every chart. Labels make the data easier to understand. Clear and informative labels are critical for users of screen reader technology. However, axes labels in some charts can be unnecessary. In the Expenses by State chart above, for example, the title and data point labels are clear. Adding axes labels would not improve the chart, but add clutter.
Links
Make link names meaningful. The link name should indicate where the link opens or the type of information the link connects to. For example, if a link opens a hidden page that describes how to filter report objects on that page, name the link “How to Filter Data on this Page.” Do not name it “Click here.” "Click here" doesn’t provide any useful information for your audience.