Execs Want Donut Charts. AI Wants Accuracy. Guess Who Wins??

Sometimes leaders want answers, but end up asking for something flashy instead.

Author

Glenda Carnate
December 05, 2025

Read time: 2.5 minutes

The truth is, AI can create a chart quickly, but it cannot improve a poorly designed one.

This week, an executive leaned over the conference table and asked, completely serious: “Can the AI show this in a donut chart?”

It was as if the circular shape would somehow reveal insights that were not in the data. We watched as an important business decision was simplified into a colorful chart that looked more like a dessert menu than a meaningful metric.

Sometimes, the choice is not about analytics at all. It is about picking a chart that feels comfortable, rather than one that brings clarity.

6 Truths to Keep Analytics Honest (Even in the Boardroom):

  1. Start with the decision, not the design.
    Asking, “What do we need to conclude?” is the best way to avoid unnecessary donut charts.

  2. Use AI to help explain the data, not just to make it look attractive.
    Ask the AI model for steps that improve clarity, not just for colorful or circular charts.

  3. Show a comparison between a bar chart and a donut chart.
    Executives often choose the more accurate option when they can see the difference.

  4. Focus on showing the ranking of data, not just making the chart look appealing.
    Bar charts show the order of data clearly, while donut charts can make it harder to see.

  5. Use direct labels on your charts instead of relying on legends.
    Make it easier for people to understand the chart.

  6. Change the way you present the information.
    Would you rather have a chart that looks attractive, or one that is easy to understand?

💡Key Takeaway: 

A donut chart does not solve confusion; it only makes the data look more appealing.

As the meme says: Insight is missing, but confidence is high because the chart looks nice.

👉 LIKE if you’ve ever watched exec confidence rise as insight drops.

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