Tables

Description:

"Sometimes referred to as a matrix. Tables are charts with information arranged in rows and columns in some meaningful way." (Harris, 1999, p.153) They are excellent at displaying exact numerical data and allow the viewer to make logical comparisons, see hierarchy, categorization and relationships between sets of data.

Other communication or decision support formats:
Flow charts, decision trees, bar, pie and line charts, scattergrams, organization charts.

Strengths:

  • Can display many more yields than a decision tree in the same space
  • Viewer can clearly see specific data
  • Cells in the table can store text or images or a combination of words numbers and images

Uses:

  • Decision support
  • Analysis
  • Comparison
  • Site map
  • Reference
  • Calendars
  • Scheduling
  • Forms
  • Categorization
  • Displaying hierarchy

Weaknesses:

  • Large tables or matrices place a heavy burden on short-term memory as the data must be processed sequentially.

Links:

©2003 Roxanne O'Connell, all rights reserved • Modfied: Monday, May 5, 2003 • Affinity Map - Site Map - Links - References