Stacked column charts with a large number of categories and data series can quickly become unclear. Deciphering this stacked column chart from the Home Office "Crime Outcomes in England andWales 2014/15 " for example, takes some work - in part because of some unfortunate design choices.
(Click on the charts for a closer view)
But even if the design was improved, by flipping the chart through 90° and applying some other formatting tricks, it would still be difficult for readers to see the main points at a glance.
So what to do ?
