Three-dimensional versions of time series plots
Spreadsheet programs such as Excel can readily produce 'attractive' 3-dimensional extrusions of simple time series plots called ribbon charts. Although they look more polished and visually interesting than conventional time series plots, they are far less informative about the data.
Avoid using ribbon charts — the extrusions are chartjunk.
Temperatures in Albany and Reno
The ribbon chart below shows how the average monthly temperature varies throughout the year in two cities in the USA. (The temperatures are in degrees Fahrenheit.)
Although the ribbon chart looks artistic, it is hard to assess which of the two cities is warmer in any month. (You can drag the centre of the diagram to rotate it.)
Click Show 2D to see a conventional time series plot of the temperatures. Comparisons are much easier without the chartjunk.
Regional population growth in New Zealand
The next ribbon chart shows the New Zealand population growth time series from the start of this section.
The 3-dimensional viewpoint again makes it difficult to compare the regions. Click Show 2D to see a conventional time series plots.