Data visualization guidelines serve as a foundation for creating visual representations of data that align with a brand's identity. I created Clio's data visualization guidelines as part of Clio's corporate brand guidelines in 2023 when I saw the opportunity for data reporting to become more cohesive and consistent across the company. As the company scaled, I felt that the reporting should scale with it. 

 

An important part of the development of these was creating a colour palette that adhered to accessibility standards. I developed a light and dark mode qualitative palette that  consisted of visually equidistant colours, making it easier to tell the colours apart in a chart, and compare the chart to the legend. It is designed to maximize accessibility and colour harmony.

By adhering to these guidelines, employees of Clio could ensure that their reporting on vital business performance would reinforce the brand's image of professionalism and trustworthiness. Furthermore, following these guidelines helped maintain a consistent aesthetic, incorporating the brand's colours, typography, and design elements.

These guidelines not only enhance the visual appeal of the data but also reinforce brand recognition. Reporting at Clio is now consistent across the board — it's easy for stakeholders to create and digest information. 

From an efficiency standpoint, adhering to these guidelines streamlined the design process of the creative team, saving time and resources, which could then be directed toward other brand-building activities.