#Observatory Chart Types - Detailed Guide

#Bar Chart

Description: Single or multi-category bar chart

Best For:

• Comparing values across categories
• Discrete data points
• Single series data

Example Uses:

• Test cases by priority
• Defects by status
• Execution counts by release

Visual: Vertical bars with categories on X-axis, values on Y-axis

#Line Chart

Description: Trend or time-based line chart

Best For:

• Showing trends over time
• Continuous data
• Time series analysis

Example Uses:

• Test execution trends
• Defect resolution over time
• Requirements count over time

Visual: Connected line points showing trend

#Pie Chart

Description: Circular chart for single series

Best For:

• Showing proportions
• Percentage breakdowns
• Single series distributions

Example Uses:

• Test case distribution by type
• Defect status breakdown
• Automation coverage

Visual: Circular chart with slices representing proportions

#Doughnut Chart

Description: Donut-style summary chart

Best For:

• Similar to pie chart with center space
• Summary views
• Single series distributions

Example Uses:

• Requirements coverage
• Automation status
• Test type distribution

Visual: Circular chart with center hole

#Stacked Bar Chart

Description: Stacked multi-series bar chart

Best For:

• Comparing multiple series
• Multi-dimensional data
• Category comparisons

Example Uses:

• Test cases by priority and severity
• Execution status by release
• Defect status by priority

Visual: Stacked bars showing multiple series

#Radar Chart

Description: Multi-variable comparison

Best For:

• Comparing multiple variables
• Multi-dimensional analysis
• Performance comparisons

Example Uses:

• Test coverage across dimensions
• Multi-variable analysis
• Performance metrics

Visual: Radar/spider web chart with multiple axes

#Choosing Chart Types

1. Bar Charts: For comparing discrete categories
2. Line Charts: For showing trends over time
3. Pie/Doughnut Charts: For showing proportions
4. Stacked Bar Charts: For comparing multiple series
5. Radar Charts: For multi-variable comparisons