Improve Your Data Visualisations With These Four Steps
Take Your Data Visualisations To The Next Level
I’ve always found data intriguing, but it was only when I began making data visualizations that I saw how incredible it could be. Whether you love data, work in business, or are just curious about making your data look better, I’m here to share four easy steps to help you improve your data visualisations.
Know Your Audience
The first step in making great data visuals is understanding who will see them. Are they data experts or regular folks who might find numbers tricky? Knowing your audience helps you create visuals that fit their needs.
For experts, go for complex charts like scatter plots or heatmaps, and don’t be afraid of statistics. But if your audience isn’t into data, keep it simple. Use basic charts like bar graphs, line charts, and pie charts. Make sure colors and labels are clear, and always provide some background so everyone can grasp your data story.
Pick the Right Chart
Choosing the right chart is like selecting the right tool for a job. Each chart type has its strengths and weaknesses, so matching your data and message with the right choice is important.
- Use bar charts when you want to compare things or show changes over time.
- Go for line charts when you want to show trends or continuous data.
- Pie charts work well when you want to display parts of a whole.
- Opt for scatter plots when you want to reveal connections or relationships between things.
Think about your data and what story you want to share. Try different chart types until you find the one that tells your story the best.
Keep It Simple and Neat
In the land of data pictures, sometimes less is more. Too much stuff can make folks confused. Here’s how to make things clear:
- Use just a few colors. Make them nice and easy to understand.
- Don’t add labels and lines you don’t need. Only put in what helps people get your data.
- Let your pictures have some space. It helps folks see better and makes things easier to look at.
Remember, the goal is to make your data pictures simple and clear so everyone can understand what you’re saying.
Tell a Story
Every data picture should be like a storybook. It guides folks through a tale that helps them understand your data. Start with a clear title and a short intro to explain what’s going on. Use words and notes to show the important stuff in your data.
Think about how your data picture flows. Does it take people from one cool thing to another? Can they quickly see the main point? Make your data picture like an exciting story, with a beginning, middle, and end.
In the end, making your data pictures better is a journey of learning and practice. If you understand your audience, pick the right picture, keep it simple, and tell a good story, your data will not only make sense but also grab people’s attention. So, let’s start making your data shine and tell the story it’s meant to tell!
The article you’re about to read was originally posted to the Data with Vividus Blog.
