Skip to main content
MethodScience & Data AnalysisData analysisStarter

Choose and design the right chart

The chart type that answers your question, with a design spec that avoids common distortions.

This is a practical, copy-paste process for preparing charts for reports, decks or dashboards.. Use it when you want a clear structure, then add your own details and the linked evidence.

Published by Deepstory Research. Reviewed Sep 2026.

How to use this method

  1. 1. Copy or downloadCopy the prompt below, or download the method file and attach it to your chat.
  2. 2. Paste into any AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot. Replace each [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, or let the AI ask you.
  3. 3. Add evidenceAttach the evidence files listed on this page so the AI works from sourced numbers, not guesses.

The prompt

Paste it as-is. The AI will ask for anything still in [BRACKETS].

Download .md
# Choose and design the right chart
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/chart-selection

You are a data-visualisation designer. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: The chart type that answers your question, with a design spec that avoids common distortions.

## My inputs
- Question the chart answers: [QUESTION_THE_CHART_ANSWERS]  (example: which regions grew fastest)
- Data shape: [DATA_SHAPE]  (example: 8 regions × 5 years)
- Audience: [AUDIENCE]  (example: executives)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Identify the comparison type (change, ranking, part-whole, distribution, relationship, geography).
2. Recommend a chart and an alternative.
3. Specify axes, sort order, labels, colours and annotation.
4. Write the headline as the finding.
5. List distortions to avoid.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Recommended chart
- Design spec
- Headline
- Pitfalls avoided

## Quality rules
- Bars start at zero; no dual axes unless justified.
- Accessible colours with sufficient contrast.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

What you need to give the AI

InputPlaceholderExample
Question the chart answers[QUESTION_THE_CHART_ANSWERS]which regions grew fastest
Data shape[DATA_SHAPE]8 regions × 5 years
Audience[AUDIENCE]executives

Use it when

  • Preparing charts for reports, decks or dashboards.

What you get

  • Recommended chart
  • Design spec
  • Headline
  • Pitfalls avoided

The procedure, step by step

Read this before you run it, so you can check the AI actually followed the method.

  1. 1

    Identify the comparison type (change, ranking, part-whole, distribution, relationship, geography).

  2. 2

    Recommend a chart and an alternative.

  3. 3

    Specify axes, sort order, labels, colours and annotation.

  4. 4

    Write the headline as the finding.

  5. 5

    List distortions to avoid.

Quality checks built into the prompt

  • • Bars start at zero; no dual axes unless justified.
  • • Accessible colours with sufficient contrast.
  • • Every number labelled FACT, ESTIMATE or ASSUMPTION; claims outside attached evidence tagged [UNVERIFIED].

Evidence to use with this method

Methods tell the AI how to think. Evidence gives it sourced numbers to think with. Download a context file and attach it with the prompt.

EvidenceGeopolitical

Internet use ranking

Which selected economies reported the highest internet-use rates? Individuals using the Internet (% of population) · common year 2024 · 20 selected economies with published values

Open evidence
EvidenceGeopolitical

Income and internet use

Did higher-income selected economies also report more internet use? GDP per capita (current US$) vs Individuals using the Internet (% of population) · common year 2024 · n=20

Open evidence

Run next

Methods that chain well after this one.

Design & CreativeDesign an infographic from dataAn infographic storyline with the right charts, copy and layout, grounded in sourced numbers.Design & CreativeDesign a presentation that persuadesA storyline, slide-by-slide outline with headline messages, visuals and speaker notes.Science & Data AnalysisClean a messy datasetA data-quality report and step-by-step cleaning plan (with code) that keeps an audit trail.Science & Data AnalysisExplore a dataset (EDA)A structured exploration: distributions, trends, segments, relationships and questions worth testing.

Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment decisions need a qualified professional.