The idea is that each data points "sticks" to the next one. The data visualization should not suggest to the user that the values between two data points are changing, but instead, the value of the previous data point remains in effect until a new data point.
A concrete example is a limit of calories intake imposed by a doctor. Unless the doctor gives you a new limit, you have to stick to the current/previous limit. It would be false to assume a higher limit for the timeframe between two data points. Hopefully this mockup helps to convey the difference:
Actual Behaviour
The line is always diagonal between two data points.
Expected Behaviour
We're trying to implement a stepped line chart, but could not figure out a way to do so yet.
Stepped Line Chart Examples:
The idea is that each data points "sticks" to the next one. The data visualization should not suggest to the user that the values between two data points are changing, but instead, the value of the previous data point remains in effect until a new data point.
A concrete example is a limit of calories intake imposed by a doctor. Unless the doctor gives you a new limit, you have to stick to the current/previous limit. It would be false to assume a higher limit for the timeframe between two data points. Hopefully this mockup helps to convey the difference:
Actual Behaviour
The line is always diagonal between two data points.