Methods and a computing device for configuring a waterfall chart
A computing device (e.g., a processor executing instructions on the computing device) receives an input (e.g., from a user or from a data stream) into a cell of a table (e.g., a cell of a spreadsheet, worksheet, or workbook). If the input is a sum (e.g., a formula whose result is the sum of previous cells), then the computing device renders a total column representing the sum on a waterfall chart (e.g., on a user interface rendered on an electronic display). Otherwise, if the input is a static value (e.g., an integer or decimal number), then the computing device renders a change column representing the static value.
1. On a computing device, a method for configuring a waterfall chart, the method comprising:
receiving, from a user, an input of a sum into a cell of a table;
interpreting the input of the sum as an indication that the user wishes to create a total column;
automatically selecting a color for the total column based on the input being a sum;
rendering, on the waterfall chart, the total column having the selected color;
receiving, from a user, an input of a static value into a cell of a table;
interpreting the input of the static value as an indication that the user wishes to create a change column;
automatically selecting a color for the change column based on the input being a static value and based on whether the static value is positive or negative;
rendering, on the waterfall chart, the change column having the selected color;
receiving a selection of either the total column or the change column of the waterfall chart;
receiving an input via an on-screen control, wherein the input indicates that the column should be converted from a total column to a change column or from a change column to a total column;
converting the column from a total column to a change column or from a change column to a total column as indicated by the input; and
automatically changing the color of the converted column to a that of a change column or that of a total column based on the indication of whether column should be converted from a total column to a change column or from a change column to a total column.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein:
rendering the total column comprises rendering, in a first color, a column that represents the cumulative sum of values of preceding columns; and
rendering the change column comprises rendering the change column in a second color if the static value is a positive value or in a third color if the static value is a negative value, wherein the rendered change column that indicates a degree of change from a preceding column.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
receiving the input via a user interface;
presenting, on the user interface, a plurality of color options for positive change columns and a plurality of color options for negative change columns;
receiving, via the user interface, one or both of:
a selection of a color option of the plurality for positive change columns; and
a selection of a color option of the plurality for positive change columns; and
in response to the selection, changing the color of all positive change columns of the waterfall chart or all negative changes columns of the waterfall chart according to the selected color option.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
receiving a selection of a color option of total columns; and
in response to the selection, changing the color of all total columns of the waterfall chart according to the selected color option.