Certified Specialist Business Intelligence Practice Test

Which of the following should NOT be considered a goal when displaying information for decision-making?

1. Highlight the importance and meaning

2. Use pictures

3. More words, less graphics

4. Less is more

The correct answer is: More words, less graphics

In the context of displaying information for decision-making, emphasizing "More words, less graphics" contradicts effective communication principles. Effective data visualization and presentation seek to convey messages clearly and succinctly. Utilizing more words can create clutter, overwhelm the audience, and obscure key insights, whereas incorporating visuals can often make complex data more accessible and easier to comprehend. The principle of “less is more” supports this by advocating for clarity and conciseness. It suggests that simplifying information helps in making it more digestible, allowing decision-makers to grasp essential points quickly. In contrast, highlighting the importance and meaning of the data ensures that the most critical information stands out, utilizing pictures or graphics effectively adds to engagement and understanding, and the philosophy of simplicity aligns with modern design principles focused on enhancing comprehension and decision quality. Thus, the idea of relying solely on verbiage misses the goal of facilitating informed decision-making.