Course Storytelling with Data

Topic Data Visualization ,Best Practices for Data Visualization

Faculty Dr. Kartikeya Bolar
Topics

Overview of data visualization

 What is data visualization
 Applications and tools of data visualization
 Data visualization requirements and stages

Why data visualization is important?

 Reasons for the importance

Different types of data visualization

 Simple visualizations
 Complex visualizations
Learning Objectives

At the end of this video, you will be able to:

Describe why data visualization is important

Explain different types of data visualization

Overview of Data Visualization > What is Data Visualization?

Data visualization is the process of creating

visual representations of data.

The elements used for visualizing information

are

Charts Graphs Maps

Data visualization can help identify patterns,

trends, and relationships within data sets.
Overview of Data Visualization > Applications and Tools of
Data Visualization

Fields,where
Fields where the data visualization is used are

Business Science

Journalism
Overview of Data Visualization > Applications and Tools of
Data Visualization

Data visualization can be used to communicate complex information to a wide

audience.

Data visualization tools and software have become increasingly accessible making it
easier for non-experts to create compelling visualizations.
Overview of Data Visualization > Data Visualization Requirements
and Stages

Stages in Data Visualization

Interpretation
Chart
Data Selection
Preparation

Good visualization requires a deep understanding of data

and the target audience.

Visualization designers should carefully choose visual

elements such as colour, size, shape, and labels.
Why Data Visualization is Important? > Reasons for Importance

Data visualization helps people understand

complex data easily.

Visualization can uncover patterns, trends,

outliers, and relationships in data that may
be difficult to see in tables or raw data.
Why Data Visualization is Important? > Reasons for Importance

Visualization helps
to

Communicate
Identify data and insights
Gain opportunities to a wider
insights audience
effectively

Make data-
driven Make data
decisions more
accessible and
engaging
Different Types of Data Visualization > Simple Visualizations

Bar charts Line charts Pie charts

Used to compare values Used to show trends over Used to show the proportion
across categories time of data within categories
Different Types of Data Visualization > Simple Visualizations

Scatter plots Heat maps

Used to show relationships Used to show the distribution of

between two variables data in a matrix format
Different Types of Data Visualization > Complex Visualizations

Geographic maps Tree diagrams

Used to show
Used to show
hierarchical
location-based data
relationships between
and relationships
data

Word clouds Network diagrams

Used to show the Used to show

frequency and relationships and
importance of connections
words in a text between nodes
Different Types of Data Visualization > Complex Visualizations

Bubble charts Radar charts

Used to show the
Used to show the
relationships
relative
between three
performance of
variables
different variables

Sankey diagrams

Used to show the

flow and direction
of data
Key Points

Key points discussed in this video:

Data visualization is an essential tool for understanding and

communicating complex data.

Good visualization requires careful planning, design, and

interpretation.

There are many different types of visualization techniques

and tools available, each with its strengths and weaknesses.
Topics

Overview of best practices for data visualization

 Clarity, simplicity and accuracy
 Engaging and inclusivity
 Ethical and trustworthy

Design principles for effective data visualization

 Intention and thoughtful design principles
 Clarity and comprehensibility design principles

Choosing the right visualization for your data

 Data aspects
 Chart aspects
 Effectiveness aspects
Learning Objectives

At the end of this video, you will be able to:

Describe the best practices for data visualization

Apply the design principles for effective data

visualization

Choose the right visualization for your data

Overview of Best Practices for Data Visualization > Clarity, Simplicity, and
Accuracy

Start with a clear purpose and

message for the visualization

Use labels and annotations to

provide context and explanations

Keep the visualization simple

and easy to read

Choose appropriate chart types

and colours
Overview of Best Practices for Data Visualization > Clarity, Simplicity, and
Accuracy

Ensure the accuracy and

consistency of data

Avoid chartjunk and

unnecessary visual elements

Test the visualization with

different audiences
Overview of Best Practices for Data Visualization > Engaging and Inclusive

Consider the medium and format of the visualization

Use the principles of storytelling to make the

visualization more engaging

Design for accessibility and inclusivity

Consider the cultural and social context of the audience

Provide interactivity and exploration options if possible

Update and revise the visualization as new data

Overview of Best Practices for Data Visualization > Ethical and Trust-Worthy

Document and cite the data sources and methodology

Use open and transparent methods and tools for the

visualization

Respect privacy and ethical concerns of the data

Follow legal and regulatory requirements for the data

Collaborate and communicate with other stakeholders

in the data visualization process
Design Principles for Effective Data Visualization > Intention and Thoughtful Design
Principles

Use visual encoding to map data to visual elements such as size,

position, colour, and shape

Use appropriate scales and axes to represent the data accurately

Use the principle of gestalt to the group and organise the data

Use the principle of hierarchy to emphasise and highlight the

important data

Use the principle of balance to distribute the visual weight of the

elements
Design Principles for Effective Data Visualization > Clarity and Comprehensibility
Design Principles

Use the principle of

Contrast To distinguish and separate the data

Alignment To create a clear and consistent visual structure

Repetition To reinforce and emphasise the data

Simplicity To reduce the audience’s cognitive load

Unity To create a coherent and integrated visualization

Choosing the Right Visualization for Your Data > Data Aspects

Consider the data type, such as

9%
10% 1st Qtr
2nd Qtr
Categorical 23% 59% 3rd Qtr
5
2 Series 3
4th
2 Qtr
Series 2
Ordinal 2.4 2.8 Series 1
4.4
Numerical 4.3 4.5
2.5

Consider the data distribution, such as

Normal
Skewed
Bimodal
Choosing the Right Visualization for Your Data > Data Aspects

Consider the data relationships, such as

Correlation
Causation
Time series

Consider the data context, such as

Historical
Comparative

Exploratory

Choose a chart type that best fits the data and the
purpose of the visualization
Choosing the Right Visualization for Your Data > Chart Aspects

Common Chart Types

Column chart

4.3 4.4

3.5
Series 1
3
Series 2
2.4 2.5
Time Categorica
Categorica Bar chart 2 2
1.8
Series 3

series l ldata
data

Numerical Ordinal Pie chart

data data

9%
Category 1 Category 2 Category 4 10% 1st Qtr
2nd Qtr
23% 59% 3rd Qtr
4th Qtr
Choosing the Right Visualization for Your Data > Chart Aspects

Common Chart Types

Dot plot

Time Categorica Stacked Bar chart

series l data
5
Point 1 Point 2
Series 3 Point 3 Point 4
Numerical Ordinal
2 2
Series 2
Heat map
data data
2.4
4.4
2.8 Series 1

4.3 4.5
2.5

Rare Unlikely Possible

Choosing the Right Visualization for Your Data > Chart Aspects

Common Chart Types

Scatter plot
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
Time Categorica Line chart 1

series l data 0.5

5 0
4.4 4.5 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
4.3
3.5
3
Numerical Ordinal 2.4 2.5
2.8
Histogram
2 2
data data 1.8

Category Category Category Category

1 2 3 4
Choosing the Right Visualization for Your Data > Chart Aspects

Common Chart Types Stacked area chart

50
45
40
35
30
Series 2
25
Series 1
20
Time Categorica Area chart
15
10
series l data 35
5
0
30
25

Numerical Ordinal 20 Series 1

Series 2 Line chart with markers
data data 15
10
5 5
4.3 4.4 4.5
0
3.5 Series 1
3 2.8 Series 2
2.4 2.5 Series 3
2 2 1.8
Use the visualization tools and libraries that support
the chosen chart type and features
Choosing the Right Visualization for Your Data > Effectiveness Aspects

Experiment with different chart types and variations to find

the most effective visualization

Use data storytelling techniques to present the visualization

and the insights in a compelling way

Test the visualization with different audiences and get

feedback for improvement

Keep updating and refining the visualization as new data or

insights become available

Collaborate with other stakeholders in the data visualization

Summary

Key points discussed in this

video:

The purpose and message should be clear in data visualization.

Design principles aid in effective data visualization.

Choosing the right visualization for the data involves examining data
aspects, chart aspects, and overall effectiveness aspects.