Time-series graph
What is it?
Time-series graphs display data points in time order. They are hybrids of timelines and quantitative charts (e.g. bar charts).
What problems does it solve?
The financial aspects of a contract are often the most important for the parties. However, often these concepts are expressed as formulas or percentages; in other cases, a certain figure may be the sum of various components, fixed and variable, calculated in different ways. This makes it difficult for readers to immediately realize how much a certain fee or penalty might cost them.
When to use it?
You can use time-series graphs to show how a figure (e.g. payable fees, liquidated damages, etc.) accrues or is charged over time and whether the total sum is capped or not.
Why use it?
Money talks and clarity about financials creates greater trust. Readers can understand in more concrete terms the cost associated with specific events documented in the contract, and manage performance and risk with greater awareness.
Where to use it?
- Contract clauses (e.g. liquidated damages) and exhibits (e.g. pricing schedule)
- Contract guides and playbooks
- Training materials
- Contract planning and negotiation
- Meetings
© 2024 Stefania Passera.
Pattern families
Visuals ExplainersExample 1
Explaining service price components
This example from Valmet’s Service Agreement helps communicating more clearly the pricing components. In the template there are different options for the visual that drafters can choose, depending on whether there is an initial fixed fee and how monthly fees are calculated (fixed instalments or variable outcome-based fees).
© 2023 Valmet. Used with permission.
Design: Stefania Passera, Paula Doyle, and Peter Hornsby
Example 2
How liquidated damages accrue
This example from Valmet’s Service Agreement shows how liquidated damages for delay accrue over time. The same visual can be customized with deal-specific amounts and used as part of internal contract implementation guides.
© 2023 Valmet. Used with permission.
Design: Stefania Passera, Paula Doyle, and Peter Hornsby
Share an example!
Have you used time-series graphs in your contracts? You can contribute to the Library by sharing an example.