Spreadsheet Models for Managers


Getting Access to Spreadsheet Models for Managers


If Spreadsheet Models for Managersyou use Excel to model businesses, business processes, or business transactions, this course will change your life. You’ll learn how to create tools for yourself that will amaze even you. Unrestricted use of this material is available in two ways.

As a stand-alone Web site
It resides on your computer, and you can use it anywhere. No need for Internet access.
At this Web site
If you have access to the Internet whenever you want to view this material, you can purchase on-line access. Unlimited usage. I’m constantly making improvements and you’ll get them as soon as they’re available.

To Order On Line

Order "Spreadsheet Models for Managers, on-line edition, one month" by credit card, for USD 69.95 each, using our secure server, and receive download instructions by return email.
Order "Spreadsheet Models for Managers, on-line edition, three months" by credit card, for USD 199.00 each, using our secure server, and receive download instructions by return email.
Order "Spreadsheet Models for Managers, downloadable hyperbook edition" by credit card, for USD 199.00 each, using our secure server, and receive download instructions by return email.

To Order by Mail

Make your check payable to Chaco Canyon Consulting, for the amount indicated:
  • For the download: USD 199.00
  • For access online for three months: USD 199.00
  • For access online for one month: USD 69.95
And send it to:
Chaco Canyon Consulting
700 Huron Avenue, Suite 19C
Cambridge, MA 02138

To use the course software you’ll need some other applications, which you very probably already have. By placing your order, you’re confirming that you have the software you need, as described on this site.

Spreadsheet Models for Managers

Design tips continued (2) 6/11
Session Links
  • Minimize special effects
    • Unless you’re trying to achieve a one-time dramatic effect, avoid:
      • Too many colors
      • Using overly bright colors
      • Overly ornate typefaces
    • Avoid outline and shadow typefaces
    • Avoid underlining
  • Use traditional orientation
    • Your reader is used to reading text from left to right, top to bottom
    • Other orientations usually detract from a presentation (except landscape pages)
  • Keep text format consistent
    • Unexpected shifts in text type style disturb the reader’s attention.
    • Proof: Magazine ads have text format inconsistent with the rest of the magazine. The ad creator wants to disturb your attention!
    • If the chart is part of a document, match the document’s font
    • For multiple documents with different styles, use different charts

Special effects — colors and ornate typefaces — are also distracting. Outline and shadow typefaces — even underlining — undercut your message. When the graph appears inside a document, try to orient your graph with the text. Use landscape only if the containing document is in landscape orientation.

As for text formatting, look at ads in magazines. Note how they contrast with editorial content. Then do what they don’t — make your chart format consistent with the format of the containing text.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Apr-2016 04:15:26 EDT

About Charts

The purpose of charts is visual communication. Sadly, many charts that contain important information don’t communicate that information very well. Communicating visually in an effective manner is probably an art, but it’s an art we can learn.

One way to learn is by bad examples — actually studying examples of bad technique. Fortunately, bad examples are easy to find. Finding good examples is more difficult, but there are several excellent references in the class notes. Enjoy!