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The Morningstar Data Visualization system provides a robust and detailed framework for communicating one of the most essential aspects of Morningstar’s brand: data. We believe great data visualization makes clear what matters, cutting through the noise to tell a meaningful story.
Building Charts
Our pioneering approach to simplifying and presenting complex data reflects our commitment to the success of every investor. Proprietary charts, like the Morningstar Style Box, transform our unique insights into essential decision-making tools. Common charts elevate basic chart types, like bars and donuts, into visually compelling graphics that tell an accessible data story.
The system offers two approaches for building and sharing branded data visualizations that follow our foundational chart standards: Morningstar Chart Elements and Chart Lab.
Chart Types
To be effective, a good chart communicates data simply and honestly, enabling people to easily grasp trends, patterns, and relationships. Your data will determine which chart types are appropriate for your purpose. Charts can be sorted into general categories based on their use case and style.
Category | Chart |
|---|---|
Comparison | Horizontal Bar (Grouped, Stacked) |
Composition | |
Relationship & Distribution |
Chart Elements
Product teams can use Morningstar Chart Elements, which works in tandem with the Product System. It offers a modular approach to creating data visualizations that can be readily integrated into Morningstar products. If your team is building with the Product System, Chart Elements should be a straightforward addition, as similar coding standards and practices apply.
Examples of fully-composed charts created using Chart Elements are available in CodePen. They also demonstrate how chart to implement hover flags, hover interactions, responsiveness, and additional accessibility features.
Chart Lab
Editors, researchers, and anyone else at Morningstar can use Chart Lab. This web-based tool creates tables and charts using a guided three-step process, no coding skills required. Users can also share exhibits online or in print, create templates for repeatable exhibits, automate exhibit creation using Analytics Lab via the Playfair API. Charts created using Chart Lab are built on Morningstar design principles and hosted in the Morningstar cloud.
