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SQVID Style Selector

Run the SQVID Style Selector Fullscreen

Sample iframe reference

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<iframe
   src="https://dmccreary.github.io/infographics/sims/sqvid-style-selector/main.html"
   width="100%" height="750" scrolling="no">
</iframe>

About the SQVID Framework

The SQVID framework, introduced by Dan Roam in The Back of the Napkin, provides five dimensions for deciding how to visually represent information. Each dimension is a spectrum between two poles:

  • S — Simple vs. Elaborate
  • Q — Qualitative vs. Quantitative
  • V — Vision vs. Execution
  • I — Individual vs. Comparison
  • D — Delta (change) vs. Status Quo (snapshot)

By positioning your design along each dimension, you can tailor the visual style to your specific audience and purpose.

Lesson Plan

Learning Objective

Apply the SQVID framework by adjusting five style sliders and observing how the combination of settings produces different visual styles appropriate for different audiences and purposes.

Activities

  1. Explore extremes: Move each slider to its minimum and maximum while keeping others centered. What changes in the preview?
  2. Audience matching: Create a SQVID configuration for: (a) a CEO board presentation, (b) a data analyst's weekly report, (c) a startup pitch deck.
  3. Randomize and interpret: Click "Randomize" and describe who the resulting style would be best suited for.

References