Geological Time Scale Chart

This chart by Rob Troll crams 4.6 billion years of Earth history into one colorful, scroll-stopping graphic. It’s not just fun to look at—it’s a masterclass in making complex information instantly understandable.

Why It Works

• Visual hierarchy: Big blocks, clear labels, and bright colors organize a ton of data.
• Storytelling through design: You “climb” Earth’s history layer by layer, just like a geologist.
• Smart simplification: It keeps just enough detail to educate without overwhelming.
• Humor hooks attention: The cartoon style lowers mental load and invites curiosity.

Real-Life Examples

• Wait But Why simplifies rocket science with stick figures.
• InformationIsBeautiful.net turns spreadsheets into candy for the eyes.
• Airbnb’s annual reports use visuals to turn dry data into stories about people and travel.