Basic techniques familiar to designers can help you better communicate your data to any group of people, not just academics and policy makers. Sitting on top of a foundation of solid data, design can be a crucial consideration for the success of a visualization. This doesn't just mean font and color choice, but rather designing the message you want to communicate and the vehicle to help you do it. We’ll examine how principles of careful reduction, minimalism, visual hierarchy, clear messaging and calls to action can all enhance the ability for a visualization to effectively communicate its message. We’ll also discuss how the vehicle for the message (the form and function) can be determined by the potential audience and desired response. There is tremendous value in reaching a broader audience when it comes to economics and policies!