Keep data sources and definitions readable in motion

Create one row per factual claim: claim ID, exact wording, source title, source location, publication date, measured period, unit, definition, scene and reviewer. Treat a blank evidence cell as unresolved, even if the number already appears in a polished graphic.

For an illustrative internal worksheet, claim C1 reads “24 completed practice pieces.” Its source is the fictional workshop sheet used only for this example; the visible label must therefore say “Illustrative data.” In a real project, replace that row with an actual approved source and a precise location, not a homepage that merely belongs to a familiar institution.

Put the chart’s question above the marks, the unit beside the axis and the period near the title. Reserve a source region below the chart. Keep a definition that changes interpretation closer to the number than a general publication credit. A viewer should not need to wait for the credits to learn that a percentage excludes incomplete records.

An illustrative hierarchy could be headline “West completed the most practice pieces,” subtitle “One fictional week; completed pieces only,” values on bars and footer “Illustrative workshop dataset.” Every layer has a different job. Do not reduce the footer until it becomes decorative texture.

Reveal the scope before or with the chart, retain it through interpretation and include it on the final hold. A note that appears only after the claim disappears breaks the connection. If a source label is too long to read comfortably, use an approved short label and provide the complete reference in accompanying text.

Do not make the source note race across the screen or scroll while the viewer is reading a chart. A separate source card can supplement the chart, but the essential unit, period and qualification should remain with it. Allocate enough time by removing nonessential animation rather than speeding through provenance.

An orphaned claim has a source in the register but no clear relationship to a visible scene. An unsupported claim has no adequate source at all. Mark these differently: the first needs a placement fix; the second needs evidence, removal or clearly labeled fictional treatment.

Review the actual exported frames against the register. Check that a crop has not removed the period, a mask has not clipped the note and a late copy edit has not changed the denominator. When the dataset changes, update both the chart and its definition. Retain the reviewed source version so future producers know exactly what supported the published statement.