Humanizing Data with Visualizations

Different Types of Visualizations

People learn and digest information differently. In addition to tables and (typical) bar charts, there are all kinds of ways to spice up your data. Here are some alternative visualizations to try:

• Pie/Circular Chart. Its simple but very powerful. The data is shown in a more shapely and informal kind of way. Additionally, the succinct layout makes it quite easy to digest the information.

• Flipped Bar Chart. Take your bar chart and flip it on its side. There is a lot less chart but again, the information is much more succinct and friendly.

Without overloading your users, give them a few options. If you are going to go with only one form of visualization, survey some users and find whether they have a preference.

Data is an awesome and powerful tool. Like anything else though, don’t let it get too complicated. Keep it simple.

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Humanizing Data with Tables & Humanizing Data Part with Charts are available on The Data Experience.