Improving the usability of climate indicator visualizations through diagnostic design principles

Abstract Visual climate indicators have become a popular way to communicate trends in important phenomena. Producing accessible visualizations for general audience is challenging, especially when many are based on graphics designed scientists, present complex and abstract concepts, utilize suboptimal design choices. This study tests whether diagnostic visualization guidelines can be used identify communication shortcomings specify effective modifications. Design were diagnose problems three hard-to-understand indicators, create improved modifications per indicator. Using online surveys, the efficacy of was tested control versus treatment setup that measured degree which respondents understood, found accessible, liked, trusted graphics. Furthermore, we assessed respondents’ numeracy, attitudes, political party affiliation affected impact improvements. Results showed simplifying had large positive effect understanding, ease liking, but not trust. Better designs understanding similarly people with different degrees numerical capacity. Moreover, while skepticism associated less subjective responses greater mistrust toward communication, modification equally across attitude ideological spectrum. These findings point as useful tool creating more engaging public.