When to use

At a glance

ComfortableCompact

Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.

Clarity70

Persuasion45

Density92

Craft cost88

School fit60

Work fit72

LessMore

D3 custom craft encodes values as data joins to SVG/Canvas marks with explicit scales. Mike Bostock D3 (2011) - still the craft backbone of custom viz.

In reports, ads and assignments it fits novel forms, research figures, bespoke explainers. Skip it when a Chart.js bar already answers the manager question.

Use when

• Use when 1 — Use D3 custom craft when the story is novel forms, research figures, bespoke explainers.
• Use when 2 — Build the first draft in Excel or Google Sheets, then restyle — do not screenshot.
• Use when 3 — In PowerPoint, one D3 custom craft per slide, claim in the title.
• Use when 4 — For lab reports and poster boards, this form works when the question is comparison or process.
• Use when 5 — In Meta, Google and retail print, keep one number visible at thumbnail size.

Avoid when

• Avoid when 1 — Skip D3 custom craft in cases like: a Chart.js bar already answers the manager question.
• Avoid when 2 — 3-D, dual axes, rainbow scales
• Avoid when 3 — Undated numbers, undated time series
• Avoid when 4 — Four charts on one slide

Audiences

• Work — PowerPoint
• Ads — Meta, Google and retail print
• School — lab reports and poster boards

D3 custom craft: honour data joins to SVG/Canvas marks with explicit scales, and switch when a Chart.js bar already answers the manager question.

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