Why we label synthetic data

Demonstrations need data, and real client data is rarely appropriate, so most product illustrations use invented figures. The risk is that an invented figure, presented well, starts to look like a result.

Why it matters

A chart in a demonstration can easily be read as evidence of performance, accuracy or speed — none of which an illustration can show. A label separates “this is how the workflow behaves” from “this is what it achieved”.

How we label

• Every illustration that uses invented figures carries a visible “synthetic data” label in the same view as the figures.
• Labels stay visible when motion is reduced or switched off, and they are read by screen readers.
• Illustrations avoid realistic-looking performance numbers; they show relationships and steps instead.
• Pages that describe unconfirmed ideas say so plainly and stay out of search indexes until they are confirmed.

A label costs a few words. Being mistaken for a claim costs trust — and trust is what we are trying to build.