In our increasingly data-driven world, having accessible ways to view and understand data is more important than ever. At least theThe demand for data skills among employees is constantly increasingeach year. Employees and business owners at all levels need to understand data and its impact.
This is where data visualization comes into play. With the goal of making data more accessible and understandable, data visualization in the form of dashboards is the tool of choice for many companies to analyze and share information.
In this article we cover:
- The definition of data visualization
- Pros and cons of data visualization
- Why data visualization is important
- Data visualization and big data
- Data visualization examples
- Data visualization tools and software
- More about data visualization
What is data visualization?
Data visualization is the graphical representation of information and data. By using vvisual elements such as charts, graphs and maps, data visualization tools provide an accessible way to see and understand trends, outliers, and patterns in data. Additionally, it provides an excellent way for employees or business owners to present data to a non-technical audience without confusion.
In the world of big data, data visualization tools and technologies are essential to analyze vast amounts of information and make data-driven decisions.
What are the pros and cons of data visualization?
Something as simple as presenting data in graphical format seems to have no downsides. But sometimes data can be misrepresented or misinterpreted when placed in the wrong style of data visualization. When deciding to create a data visualization, it's best to keep both the pros and cons in mind.
advantages
Our eyes aredrawn to colors and patterns. We can quickly distinguish red from blue and squares from circles. Our culture is visual and encompasses everything from art and advertising to television and films. Data visualization is another form of visual art that captures our interest and keeps the message in mind. If we see a chart, weIdentify trends and outliers quickly. When we can see something, we internalize it quickly. It's storytelling with a purpose. If you've ever stared at a huge table of data and couldn't spot a trend, you know how much more effective a visualization can be.
Some other benefits of data visualization are:
- Easy sharing of information.
- Explore possibilities interactively.
- Visualize patterns and relationships.
Disadvantages
While there are many advantages, some of the disadvantages seem less obvious. For example, when you display a visualization with many different data points, it's easy to make an inaccurate assumption. Or sometimes the visualization is just misdesigned so that it's biased or confusing.
Some other disadvantages are:
- Biased or inaccurate information.
- Correlation does not always mean causation.
- Key messages can get lost in translation.
Why data visualization is important
The importance of data visualization is simple: it helps people see, interact with, and understand data better. Simple or complex, the right visualization can get everyone on the same page, regardless of their expertise.
It's hard to imagine a professional industry that doesn't benefit from itmake data easier to understand. Every STEM field benefits from understanding data—as do fields in government, finance, marketing, history, consumer goods, service industries, education, sports, and so on.
While we're always poetic about data visualization (you're on the Tableau website, after all), there are undeniable practical real-life applications. And because visualization is so productive, it's also one of the most useful professional skills to develop. The better you can get your points across visually, whether in a dashboard or presentation, the better you can use that information. The concept ofthe citizen data scientist is on the rise. Capabilities are changing to suit a data-driven world. It is becoming increasingly valuable for professionals to be able to use data to make decisions and use images to tell stories about when data informs the who, what, when, where and how.
While traditional education typically draws a clear line between creative storytelling and technical analysis, the modern professional world also values those who can move between the two: data visualization sits right in the middle of analysis and visual storytelling.
Data visualization and big data
As theThe “age of big data” is in full swing, visualization is an increasingly important tool for understanding the trillions of rows of data generated every day. Data visualization helps tell stories by curating data in an easier-to-understand form and highlighting trends and outliers. A good visualization tells a story, removes noise from the data, and highlights useful information.
However, beautifying a graphic to make it look better or slapping the "info" portion of an infographic isn't as easy. Effective data visualization is a delicate balancing act between form and function. The simplest graphic might be too boring to draw attention or make a strong impression; The most impressive visualization could completely fail to convey the right message, or it could speak volumes. The data and the visuals need to work together, and there's an art to combining great analytics with great storytelling.
Learn more about big data.
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Data visualization examples
Of course, one of the best ways to understand data visualization is to see it. What a crazy concept! With public data visualization galleries and data online everywhere, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. tableau itselfpublic galleryshows lots of visualizations created with the free tool Tableau Public, we provide some common beginner dashboards as templates to use andViz of the Day collects some of the best community creations. We also collected 10 of the best data visualization examplesof all time, with examples depicting historical conquests, analyzing film scripts, uncovering hidden causes of death and much more.
Different types of visualizations
When you think of data visualization, your first thought probably immediately goes to simple bar charts or pie charts. While these can be an integral part of visualizing data and a common foundation for many data graphics, the right visualization needs to be paired with the right information.Simple graphics are just the tip of the iceberg. There are a number of visualization methods to present data in an effective and interesting way.
General types of visualizations:
- Diagram:Information in tabular, graphical form with data displayed along two axes. Can be in the form of a graph, chart or map.Learn more.
- Tisch:A series of numbers displayed in rows and columns.Learn more.
- Graph:A graph of points, lines, segments, curves, or areas that plots specific variables in comparison to one another, usually along two axes at right angles.
- Geodata:A visualization that displays data in map form, using different shapes and colors to show the relationship between data items and specific locations.Learn more.
- Infographic:A combination of pictures and words that represent data. Usually uses charts or diagrams.
- Dashboards:A collection of visualizations and data displayed in one place to help analyze and present data.Learn more.
More concrete examples
- Environment map:Territory maps are a form of spatial visualization and are used to display specific values set over a map of a country, state, county, or other geographic location. Two common types of area maps are choropleths and isopleths.Learn more.
- Bar graph:Bar charts represent numerical values compared to each other. The length of the bar represents the value of each variable.Learn more.
- Box-and-Whisker-Plots:These show a selection of areas (the box) over a specified metric (the bar).Learn more.
- Bullet Chart:A bar highlighted against a background to show progress or performance toward a goal, denoted by a line on the graph.Learn more.
- Gantt chart:Commonly used in project management, Gantt charts are a bar chart representation of schedules and tasks.Learn more.
- heat map:A type of geospatial visualization in map form that shows specific data values in different colors (these don't have to be temperatures, but that's a common usage).Learn more.
- Highlight table:A tabular form that categorizes similar data by color, making it easier and more intuitive for the viewer to read.Learn more.
- Histogram:A type of bar chart that breaks a continuous measure into distinct sections to make it easier to analyze the distribution.Learn more.
- Cake chart:A circular chart with triangular segments that shows data as a percentage of the whole.Learn more.
- tree map:A type of chart that displays various related values in the form of nested rectangles.Learn more.
visualization tools and software
There isDozens of data visualization and data analysis tools. These range from simple to complex, from intuitive to obtuse. Not every tool is right for every person who wants to learn visualization techniques, and not every tool scales for industry or business purposes. If you want to know more about the options, don't hesitateread hereor immersein-depth analysis from third parties such as the Gartner Magic Quadrant.
Also remember that good data visualization theory and skills go beyond specific tools and products. As you learn this skill, focus on best practices and explore your own personal style when it comes to visualizations and dashboards. Data visualization isn't going away anytime soon, so it's important to build a foundation for analysis, storytelling, and exploration that you can carry with you regardless of the tools or software you end up using.
Learn more about data visualizations
If you're feeling inspired or want to learn more, there are countless resources to turn to. Data visualization and data journalism are full of enthusiastic practitioners who are happy to share their tips, tricks, theory and more.
Blogs about data visualization
Check out our list of great data visualization blogs full of examples, inspiration, and educational resources. The experts who write books and teach courses on the theory behind data visualization also tend to keep blogs analyzing the latest trends in the field and discussing new visualizations. Many will critique modern graphics or write tutorials on how to create effective visualizations. Others collect many different data visualizations from around the web to highlight the most intriguing ones. Blogs are a great way to learn more about specific subsets of data visualization, or to seek relatable inspiration from well-executed projects.
Check out our list of the best data visualization blogs.
Books on data visualization
Read our list of great books on data visualization theory and practice. While blogs can keep up with the changing field of data visualization, books focus on where the theory remains constant. Humans have attempted to represent data in visual form throughout their existence. One of the earlier books on data visualization, originally published in 1983, laid the groundwork for data visualization to come and is still relevant today. More recent books continue to cover theory and technique, offering timeless examples and practical tips. Some even take completed projects and present the visual graphics in book form as an archival exhibit.
Check out our list of the best data visualization books.
Courses and training
There are many great paid and free courses and resources on data visualization, including right here on the Tableau website. There are videos, articles, and white papers for everyone from beginners to data rock stars. Regarding third-party courses, however, we will not make any specific suggestions in this article at this time.
Explore Tableau's training courses.
Additional Resources
10 examples of interactive maps and data visualizations
read now
Tips for creating effective, engaging data visualizations
read now
FAQs
What is data visualization definition examples and learning resources? ›
Data visualization is the graphical representation of information and data. By using visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps, data visualization tools provide an accessible way to see and understand trends, outliers, and patterns in data.
What is data visualization definition examples Best Practices? ›A simple definition of data visualization: Data visualization is the visual presentation of data or information. The goal of data visualization is to communicate data or information clearly and effectively to readers. Typically, data is visualized in the form of a chart, infographic, diagram or map.
What is data visualization give any one example of data visualization tool? ›Data visualization is the process of creating a visual representation of the information within a dataset. While there are hundreds of ways to visualize data, some of the most common data visualization techniques include: Pie charts. Bar charts.
What is data Visualisation? ›Data visualization is a way to represent information graphically, highlighting patterns and trends in data and helping the reader to achieve quick insights.
What is data visualization explain with example in R? ›Data visualization is a technique used for the graphical representation of data. By using elements like scatter plots, charts, graphs, histograms, maps, etc., we make our data more understandable. Data visualization makes it easy to recognize patterns, trends, and exceptions in our data.
What is data in learning resources? ›Think of educational data as a machine that receives and uses inputs to help run the educational process, producing outputs that include things like progress, success, and achievement. Data use depends on critical inputs from the parent, teacher, student, district, and state.
Why do we need data visualization explain with examples? ›Data visualization is the practice of translating information into a visual context, such as a map or graph, to make data easier for the human brain to understand and pull insights from. The main goal of data visualization is to make it easier to identify patterns, trends and outliers in large data sets.
Which of the following is an example of data visualization? ›Pie charts and Bar charts are considered data visualization methods.
What is an example of visualize? ›Example Sentences
She tried to visualize the scene he was describing. Before you swing, visualize yourself hitting the ball.
The best data visualization tools include Google Charts, Tableau, Grafana, Chartist. js, FusionCharts, Datawrapper, Infogram, ChartBlocks, and D3. js. The best tools offer a variety of visualization styles, are easy to use, and can handle large data sets.
Where is data visualization used? ›
In marketing analytics, data visualisation is a boon. We may use visuals and reports to analyse various patterns and trends analysis, such as sales analysis, market research analysis, customer analysis, defect analysis, cost analysis, and forecasting. These studies serve as a foundation for marketing and sales.
What are the two main uses for data visualization? ›In general, there are two different types of data visualization: exploration, which helps find a story the data is telling you, and an explanation, which tells a story to an audience. Both types of data visualization must take into account the audience's expectations.
What is data visualization PDF? ›Data visualization involves presenting data in graphical or pictorial form which makes the information easy to understand. It helps to explain facts and determine courses of action. It will benefit any field of study that requires innovative ways of presenting large, complex information.
What is data visualization essay? ›Data visualization is the arrangement of information, statistics or other quantifiable data in a visual manner that educates and informs the reader. Data visualization aims to bring across the meaning of narratives or presentations that are burdened with abstract or schematic information.
What is data visualization and its advantages? ›Data visualization tools make it quick and easy to create charts and graphs which can be added to a customizable dashboard.; Besides looking beautiful, data visualization tools give us the ability to process information faster and to use that information to boost productivity and results.
Is the example data visualization tool? ›Some of the best data visualization tools include Google Charts, Tableau, Grafana, Chartist, FusionCharts, Datawrapper, Infogram, and ChartBlocks etc.
What are the 5 steps in data visualization explain? ›- Develop your research question.
- Get or create your data.
- Clean your data.
- Choose a chart type.
- Choose your tool.
- Prepare data.
- Create chart.
- text books.
- novels.
- films.
- plays.
- radio programs.
- multimedia.
- digital learning resources including video, audio, text, animations and images.
- lectures.
- Autobiographies and memoirs.
- Diaries, personal letters, and correspondence.
- Interviews, surveys, and fieldwork.
- Internet communications on email, blogs, listservs, and newsgroups.
- Photographs, drawings, and posters.
- Works of art and literature.
There are three types of data sources: relational. multidimensional (OLAP) dimensionally modeled relational.
Why visualization is important in learning? ›
Visualization enables quicken communication communication and creates a unified and comprehensive tool for everyday communication. This paper describes the importance of visualization as an essential element not only in acquiring knowledge of students, but also in lifelong learning.
How is visualization used in learning? ›- Write what you want in detail, engaging all 5 senses. ...
- Imagine the emotion attached to the outcome. ...
- Take action every day toward your desired outcome. ...
- Expand your knowledge. ...
- Make time to consider your visualization.
Visualization enhances attention because it keeps the audience focused on the subject matter. For example, when students visualize the content of a lesson or a passage that they are reading, comprehension increases dramatically.
Which of the following is real time example of data visualization? ›The two most common examples of real-time Data Visualization are Internet websites, and computer games, but there are many, many others. Websites are a simple example. They compute and display varying information, based on the click of a mouse button or a keystroke on the keyboard.
What are the most commonly used data visualization techniques? ›A: The visualization techniques include Pie and Donut Charts, Histogram Plot, Scatter Plot, Kernel Density Estimation for Non-Parametric Data, Box and Whisker Plot for Large Data, Word Clouds and Network Diagrams for Unstructured Data, and Correlation Matrices.
What is visualization and its types? ›There are many types of data visualization. The most common are scatter plots, line graphs, pie charts, bar charts, heat maps, area charts, choropleth maps and histograms.
What are 4 benefits of visualization? ›- 1) It makes you feel empowered. ...
- 2) Your brain doesn't distinguish real from imaginary. ...
- 3) It focuses your willpower. ...
- 4) It has health benefits. ...
- 5) If you believe in visualization, it works even better.
Data visualization tools are software applications that render information in a visual format such as a graph, chart, or heat map for data analysis purposes. Such tools make it easier to understand and work with massive amounts of data.
What are the 3 main goals of data visualization? ›The utility of data visualization can be divided into three main goals: to explore, to monitor, and to explain. While some visualizations can span more than one of these, most focus on a single goal.
What is application of visualization? ›Visualization or visualisation (see spelling differences) is any technique for creating images, diagrams, or animations to communicate a message. Visualization through visual imagery has been an effective way to communicate both abstract and concrete ideas since the dawn of humanity.
What is data visualization in education? ›
Data visualization is the process of presenting large amounts of data in a visual form that helps to reveal meaningful patterns in the data.
What is visualization in simple words? ›1. : the formation of visual mental images. : the act or process of putting into visual form.
How does visualization improve learning? ›Visualization refers to our ability to create pictures in our heads based on what we read or hear. When words are consciously used to create mental images, understanding is accelerated. Consequently, those who make use of visualization have an advanced ability to understand, learn, and remember.
Which of the following are examples of data visualization? ›Pie charts and Bar charts are considered data visualization methods. Data visualization method: It is a graphical method of presenting data. For this purpose, we use graphical elements like graphs, charts, maps, etc.
What are learning resources and its types? ›A learning resource is an artifact that contributes to a learning process. Some authors restrict its meaning to content, others include tools and environments. We suggest making a distinction between resources and tools as in learning design methods, although boundaries overlap.
What are the uses of learning resources? ›Learning materials can significantly increase learners' achievement by supporting learning. For example, an educational video may provide a learner with new insights and an appealing worksheet may provide the learner with new opportunities to practice a new skill gained in class.
What is an example of a visualization tool? ›The best data visualization tools include Google Charts, Tableau, Grafana, Chartist. js, FusionCharts, Datawrapper, Infogram, ChartBlocks, and D3. js. The best tools offer a variety of visualization styles, are easy to use, and can handle large data sets.
What are the types of visualization? ›There are many types of data visualization. The most common are scatter plots, line graphs, pie charts, bar charts, heat maps, area charts, choropleth maps and histograms. In this guide, we've put together a list of 32 data visualizations.
What is benefits of data visualization? ›Data visualization tools make it quick and easy to create charts and graphs which can be added to a customizable dashboard.; Besides looking beautiful, data visualization tools give us the ability to process information faster and to use that information to boost productivity and results.
Why is data visualization important benefits? ›Visualization allows business users to recognize relationships and patterns between the data, and also gives it greater meaning. By exploring these patterns, users can focus on specific areas that need attention in the data, to determine the importance of these areas to move their business forward.
What are the benefits of visualization? ›
Visualization is important because it helps to prepare and to teach you how to respond to a situation before it happens. It also helps you achieve your goals by conditioning your brain to see, hear, and feel the success in your mind.