5 Nov 2025

Reading lag from three metres away

Type size, contrast, and why thin line charts fail at the back of the ops bay.

Close view of colourful code and interface elements on a monitor

Thin multi-series line charts die at three metres. From the back of a George Town ops bay we favour thick single-series ribbons, large threshold markers, and labels that do not rely on a legend tucked in a corner.

Halftone-friendly contrast helps printed legends travel to offsites. If a colour only works on a calibrated monitor, it fails the first time someone prints the pack.

Test with the shortest person on the crew standing at the door. If they cannot name the hottest region in three seconds, enlarge or cut.