Make ranges, units, and intervals clear enough for people to interpret comparisons accurately.
An axis explains how positions correspond to values. Its range, intervals, and labels influence what people conclude from a chart. Choose them together with the mark type and the question being asked.
This guidance applies to a separately implemented chart. Liquidify does not supply axis components, tick generation, or data scales.
Use fixed bounds when they carry meaning across every view, such as a percentage from zero to one hundred. A dynamic range can reveal variation when the values occupy only part of a much wider domain. Make any change in range apparent when people switch periods or compare charts.
Bar lengths usually need a zero baseline so that the relative lengths represent the relative quantities. A line or point chart can use a narrower range to reveal differences, but its labels must make that range clear. Do not let an automatic scale silently change the meaning of a comparison.
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Make the range explicit
Explain why mark type and purpose influence the lower bound.
Name the unit and explain the aggregation. “Requests per day” and “Average response time in minutes” describe different measures even when both use weekdays on the horizontal axis.
Choose tick intervals that readers can follow without calculation. Keep numeric precision consistent and avoid suggesting more precision than the observations support. Use unambiguous dates and units; abbreviated visual labels may need fuller accessible descriptions.
Decide how unavailable values appear. A missing observation should remain distinguishable from a measured zero. If part of a period is incomplete, disclose that condition near the chart instead of relying on a subtle mark difference.
Review labels at the chart's actual width. Reduce the number of visible ticks or offer a more focused period before allowing labels to overlap. Preserve enough reference points to understand the range, and keep important units visible.
Grid lines should support the task. Exact-value inspection can reduce the need for a dense grid, but the chart still needs enough context to be useful before interaction. Ensure the plot, labels, and annotations remain readable together with enlarged text.
Include the measure, unit, period, and relevant range in the accessible chart description or associated data presentation. A tooltip is not an adequate substitute when it is available only on hover.
When filters change the displayed domain, communicate the new scope in visible text and through the chosen accessible interaction model. Do not rely solely on an animated axis transition. Application code owns those updates; Liquidify does not announce chart changes automatically.
Use Typography and Color for label presentation. Scale calculations, localized formatting, and responsive tick placement belong to the application and chart renderer.