Integrating Visual Evidence
Make figures and tables part of your explanation—not just something readers look at.
A figure or table can present important evidence, but it cannot make your point on its own. Help readers understand with this four-part technique:
Explore Five Examples
Choose a visual to see how the four steps work in context. Read each sample as a finished document. The colored borders identify the steps explained alongside them; they are not part of the document itself.
Figure in a Sample Document
A figure presents information visually, using illustrations, diagrams, or other images. It helps readers understand concepts, relationships, or details that may be difficult to explain with words alone.
Figure in a Sample Document
How It Works
The guide uses similar formatting for headings at different levels. Figure 1 shows an example from the guide.
1. Introduce
Mention the figure before it appears. Tell readers what they are about to see and why it is relevant.
4. Working on Client Projects
4.1 Project Documentation
Follow document control procedures for all project records.
4.1.1 File Naming
Use approved conventions for naming project files.
4.1.2 Technical Review
Submit technical documents for review before distribution.
2. Label
Give the figure a number and informative caption. Place figure captions below figures; identify sources when needed.
The heading levels use nearly identical type sizes and weights, making it difficult to distinguish major topics from supporting information.
3. Explain
Point out the pattern, comparison, or detail that matters. Go beyond repeating the caption.
As Figure 1 illustrates, the guide would benefit from more distinct heading styles so readers can locate procedures more easily.
4. Connect
Use the evidence to support a conclusion, recommendation, or other point. Refer to the figure by number.
Table in a Sample Document
A table organizes information into rows and columns so readers can locate details and compare values or categories. It makes patterns and differences easier to recognize.
Table in a Sample Document
How It Works
The review examined how consistently the guide uses headings, lists, and emphasis. Table 1 summarizes the findings.
1. Introduce
Mention the table before it appears. Tell readers what information it organizes and why that information is relevant.
Table 1. Document Design Review Findings
| Criterion | Finding |
|---|---|
| Heading hierarchy | Levels difficult to distinguish |
| List formatting | Inconsistent across sections |
| Emphasis | Bold used for multiple purposes |
Illustrative findings created for this example.
2. Label
Give the table its own number and informative title, usually above the table. Identify sources when needed.
Table 1 identifies inconsistencies across all three design criteria.
3. Explain
Interpret the pattern or comparison that matters rather than simply repeating the table entries.
These findings support adopting a consistent formatting system to help readers recognize different kinds of information.
4. Connect
Use the findings to support a conclusion or recommendation that advances your message.
Screenshot in a Sample Document
A screenshot captures what appears on a computer or device screen at a particular moment. It helps readers examine interface features, identify usability problems, or follow procedures.
Screenshot in a Sample Document
How It Works
The registration page does not clearly distinguish required fields from optional ones. Figure 2 shows the form before revision.
1. Introduce
Identify the interface problem and point readers to the screenshot.
Please complete the form below.
2. Label
Number the screenshot as a figure and caption the feature being examined.
The form provides no visible indication of which fields are required, so users cannot tell what information they must enter.
3. Explain
Describe the specific usability issue visible in the screenshot.
As Figure 2 shows, adding explicit “Required” labels would make the form easier to complete and reduce avoidable errors.
4. Connect
Use the screenshot to justify a practical design improvement.
Chart in a Sample Document
A chart displays data to reveal comparisons, patterns, relationships, or trends. Bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs help readers interpret numerical information quickly.
Chart in a Sample Document
How It Works
Participants took longer to locate instructions in the original guide than in the revised guide. Figure 3 compares the average times.
1. Introduce
Introduce the comparison and direct readers to the chart.
Average time to locate instructions
Time in seconds (lower is better)
2. Label
Label the chart as a figure and make the quantities and units clear.
The average time fell from 72 seconds to 38 seconds, a reduction of 34 seconds in this illustrative comparison.
3. Explain
Interpret the difference rather than simply restating the bars.
Figure 3 suggests that clearer navigation could help readers find instructions more efficiently; actual testing would be needed to confirm the improvement.
4. Connect
Connect the comparison to a qualified conclusion; avoid claiming more than the evidence supports.
Photograph in a Sample Document
A photograph captures the appearance of a person, object, place, or activity. It provides visual evidence of observable details, conditions, or processes that readers can examine.
Photograph in a Sample Document
How It Works
The proposed shared workspace uses an open-plan arrangement. Figure 4 provides a view of the kind of setting being considered.
1. Introduce
Identify the setting or feature the photograph shows and explain why readers need to see it.
Source: Illustrative image generated using ChatGPT.
2. Label
Number the photograph as a figure, write a descriptive caption, and identify its source when needed.
The photograph illustrates how an open-plan layout places multiple work areas within a shared room, rather than in separate offices.
3. Explain
Describe the visible detail that matters. Distinguish what the photograph shows from what you can only infer.
Figure 4 offers a useful reference for discussing workspace layout, but the team should assess noise, privacy, and accessibility at the actual site before recommending this arrangement.
4. Connect
Use the photograph to advance a point while acknowledging what an image alone cannot establish.
© 2026 Traci Gardner. Available under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial Share-Alike 4.0 International License.