In presentations, reports, catalogs, and on websites, numbers often convey the core information. The reader needs to see the cost, compare results, assess change, or find a specific value. Design must assist in solving these tasks.

Simply making a number large is insufficient. It is crucial to show what the number represents, what units it is expressed in, what period it refers to, and what it can be compared against. For example, the caption «15% growth» remains incomplete unless it specifies which metric grew and relative to what period.

In this course, participants will learn to design individual data points, groups of numbers, and tables. They will select numeral fonts, work with place values, units of measurement, and labels, and harmonize different magnitudes within a single layout.

The final output will be a set of mockups based on a single dataset, along with guidelines for presenting numerical information. Participants will test how the system functions when values are replaced, rows are added, and label lengths are changed.

For graphic designers and presentation designers who format reports, business proposals, catalogs, and data-driven materials. This course is designed for those who are already comfortable with text and composition but struggle with formatting numerical blocks and tables.

Basic skills in Figma, Adobe Illustrator, or PowerPoint: creating and editing text and shapes, aligning objects, setting margins, and exporting layouts.

Initial proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets will be required: data entry, simple formulas, and cell formatting. Calculations of changes and the distinction between percentages and percentage points are covered in the course.

All assignments are completed in one chosen graphic editor. Calculations and source values are stored separately in a spreadsheet.

Duration — 6 weeks. Total workload — 24 academic hours of instruction and approximately 24 hours of self-study.Format — online sessions with an instructor twice a week for 2 academic hours per session. Classes include case study analysis, exercises, and peer work reviews.Throughout the course, each participant works with a single dataset. The practical assignments cumulatively build into a final set of mockups. Related topics are covered within a single session, and the concluding sessions are dedicated to project review and defense.

1. Number and its meaning. The reader’s task: indicator name, unit of measurement, period, and source. Which values can be compared and what explanations are needed for this.
2. Typography of figures. Tabular and proportional numerals*. Font selection for key figures, body text, and numerical columns. Character legibility, and the combination of numerals with letters and symbols.
3. Rules for writing numbers. Place value separators, decimal signs, percentages, currencies, and ranges. Non-breaking spaces*. Rounding, abbreviating large numbers, and maintaining necessary precision. Russian and English notation.
4. Composition of the numerical block. Meaning, title, unit of measurement, period, and annotation. Size and placement of elements. Multiple indicators on a single layout. Highlighting the key information.
5. Table formatting. Headings, rows, numerical columns, and totals. Number alignment, indentation, and separators. Zero, missing data, and inapplicable values. Information retrieval and comparison.
6. Comparison and change of indicators. Absolute and relative change. Percentages and percentage points*. Basis of comparison*. Plan versus actual, current versus previous periods. Labels for growth and decline.
7. Selection of visual form. Single number, group of indicators, table, or chart. Exact value, comparison of magnitudes, and change over time. Scales, labels, and common distortions.
8. Formatting system. Recurring blocks and rules for filling them out. Short and long values, negative numbers, and blanks. Reviewing layouts when updating data.
9. Refinement and project defense. Verifying values against the source. Testing with readers. Error correction, preparation of layouts, and usage guidelines.

• Tabular numerals occupy a uniform width, which helps align place values in columns. The width of proportional numerals depends on the shape of the character.

• A non-breaking space prevents linked elements from being split across a line break—for example, a number and its unit of measurement.

• A percentage point is the unit of difference between two percentage values. Growth from 20% to 25% is 5 percentage points. The relative growth is 25%.

• The basis of comparison is the initial value against which the change is calculated.

1. Analyzing quantitative information: determining the value, unit of measurement, period, and comparison conditions.
   2. Selecting fonts and digit variants for text, large indicators, and tables.
   3. Standardizing number notation: place values, decimal points, abbreviations, currencies, and units of measurement.
   4. Rounding values according to the task, while preserving original data and significant differences.
   5. Establishing hierarchy within a numerical block and coordinating multiple indicators on a single layout.
   6. Designing tables that facilitate finding and comparing values.
   7. Correctly labeling changes: specifying the basis of comparison and distinguishing between percentages and percentage points.
   8. Choosing the data presentation format appropriate for the reader’s specific question.
   9. Creating editable templates, testing them with new values, and verifying the results against the source.

All assignments must be based on a single material—for example, exhibition attendance figures, educational program results, or store sales. You may use your own publishable data or the instructor’s learning set.

The material must include several categories, values spanning two or more periods, and at least one metric expressed as a percentage.

1. Data Analysis — Create a table detailing: metric name, value, unit of measurement, period, and source. — Formulate three questions that the reader should be able to answer using the data. — Identify comparable values. — Identify missing explanations and ambiguous terminology.

Submission: The metrics table, the reader’s questions, and a list of necessary clarifications.

2. Font Selection for Numbers — Choose two typefaces and examine the available numeral options in each. — Enter a major metric, a sentence containing numbers, and a column of values in each font. — Test combinations with percentage signs, currency symbols, and units of measurement. — Compare the legibility of the symbols and the alignment of digits.

Submission: A comparison sheet and the selected settings for each case.

3. Uniform Data Format — Standardize the raw data according to consistent recording rules. — Determine the required precision for each group of metrics. — Keep the original values separate from the rounded figures. — Verify that rounding does not obscure important differences. — Check sums and the carryover of numbers alongside units of measurement.

Submission: Both the raw and finalized versions of the data, along with brief recording guidelines.

4. Metric Card Design — Select one metric and create three different visual treatments for it. — In each treatment, retain the number, name, unit of measurement, and period. — Compare the reading flow and the prominence of the elements. — Select one version and use it to assemble a group of four related metrics.

Submission: The three design variations for the card and the approved set of metrics.

5. Numerical Table Design — Design a data fragment spanning 8–12 rows and several numerical columns. — Configure headers, units of measurement, and text alignment. — Highlight totals and the specific values needed for comparison. — Distinguish between a zero value and the absence of data, and clarify all notations. — Review the table within the intended viewing size.

Submission: The table before and after design, accompanied by an explanation of the main changes.

7. Three Presentation Formats— Present one segment of data using a combination of numeric blocks, tables, and charts.
   — Determine which option best answers a specific question.
   — Validate the scale, labels, and the alignment of the visuals with the data values.
   — Select the appropriate format based on the reader’s specific needs.Submits: three variations and a brief justification for the chosen format.8. Testing with New Data— Assemble templates for indicator cards, change blocks, tables, and charts.
   — Insert short and long values, negative numbers, and missing data points.
   — Add extended labels and check text wrapping.
   — Revise layouts that require a full reformatting after data substitution.
   — Draft the data entry rules and provide one template to another participant for review.Submits: templates, rules, and an example populated by another participant.9. Final Project— Compile the complete set of finalized layouts.
   — Cross-reference the values, units of measure, time periods, and labels with the original source material.
   — Ask at least three readers to locate an indicator, compare values, and explain the change.
   — Document any difficulties encountered and implement necessary revisions.
   — Present the raw data, intermediate variations, and the final completed work.Submits: layouts, raw data and calculations, the guidelines, and the review results.

The participant will develop a system for presenting numerical information based on real or educational material. This system must help the reader locate precise values, compare metrics, and accurately understand changes.

The project will include:

1. A group of four numerical indicators.
2. A comparative table.
3. Blocks illustrating changes over a period.
4. A diagram designed to answer a specific reader question.
5. Editable templates and a brief guide.

The guide will explain how to record numbers, select precision, format units of measurement, label changes, and denote missing data.

During the defense, the participant will present the source material, intermediate versions, and final mockups. They will explain their design choices and demonstrate the validation results: whether readers could find the required values, correctly compare the metrics, and comprehend the changes.