Spine chart
This is a double bar chart that shows the distribution of a variable by splitting it into two contrasting components (e.g. male/female, agree/disagree). Bars extend horizontally from a central axis. This is similar to the population pyramid, but the population pyramid is only for population data — the spine chart has more uses as a comparison chart.
Make sure that your data is categorised by your two chosen variables (e.g. age and gender, company size and industry). Use contrasting colours for the opposite sides to enhance readability, and highlight important insights — e.g. use annotations or callouts to draw attention to significant differences or trends. Don't use if you can't segment your data into two categories or when absolute values are more important than proportions. And don't use if your data isn't balanced, which makes one side of the chart much bigger than the other and creates a misleading visual comparison.
1. To visualise the difference in cloud computing adoption stages between small and medium-sized enterprises and large enterprises.
2. To visualise the adoption of artificial intelligence in business operations, comparing responses from companies with high revenue growth and those with low revenue growth.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about your company's commitment to diversity and inclusion? (Compare the distribution across male and female employees.)
Multiple mention, Numerical response, Ranking question, Rating scale, Single mention