Data visualization is essential in today’s data-driven world, serving as a graphical representation of information. It simplifies complex datasets, revealing patterns, trends, and anomalies, and turns data into clear, actionable insights for easier interpretation.
At E-Tabs, we deeply understand the value of data visualization. We have helped clients generate 100,000s of reports and we have seen that using visuals is the most effective way to tell a story from your data.
A study by 3M and the University of Minnesota found presentations using visuals to be 43% more persuasive and likely to result in action than text-based presentations. This same study found that the human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text, and that visuals improved learning by up to 400%.
Best Practices for data visualisation:
Charts
Choosing the appropriate chart type is crucial. When paired accurately, confusion is minimized and patterns are clearly identified. “Good data visuals are all about communication. You need your visualization point to convey key takeaways to the people you’re presenting the data to.”
Listed are the most common charts and their purposes:
Bar Charts: (Including Stacked Charts.) These are ideal for comparing data across categories or groups. They provide a clear visual representation of differences in values, making it easy to identify the highest or lowest categories.
Line Charts: Line charts are perfect for exhibiting trends over time, such as annual growth rates. They allow viewers to track changes in patterns easily, showcasing upward or downward trends.
Pie Charts: Pie charts are great for illustrating proportions within a whole. Avoid the use of pie charts when the differences between categories are small.
Scatter Plots: Scatter plots stand out when identifying relationships or correlations between two variables. They highlight clusters, trends, or outliers that might not be evident in other chart types, aiding in data-driven analysis.
Heatmaps: Heatmaps effectively visualize density or patterns using colour intensity to represent values. They are particularly useful for identifying trends in large datasets, and spotting areas of high or low activity- this is done through conditional formatting.
Design tips
From The Report Team:
Keep it simple! Professional data visualizations are clean and focused. This will enhance readability and ensures your audience stays focused on the insights.
Use clean slide designs– This will allow your data to be showcased without being distracted by loud slide designs.
Eliminate gridlines-The word ‘gridline’ often evokes stress because it seems complex, so do yourself a favour and don’t use them unless you have to!
Avoid 3D effects– They sound cool, but truthfully, they just distort perception.
Use a cohesive color palette- This ensures consistency for professional data visualization. Excessive or inconsistent use of colour can overwhelm viewers, so keep it intentional and balanced.
Use contrasting colours – This helps to differentiate data points & highlight trends.
Useful Resource: Adobe Colour
Provide Clear Labels
The ways to do so below below are essential for interpreting data visualization:
Titles – make sure to describe the key message or takeaway so that the reader understands the visualizers intent.
Axis labels– these should be short and to the point.
Data Labels- these should only be used when necessary and formatted well to keep charts legible.
Visual labelling– this might include arrows or reference points to highlight significant change. Use conditional colouring to help tell the story of your data.
Source appropriate Visualization
Sourcing appropriate images and icons for effective data visualization is crucial because they enhance the clarity and impact of the data being presented.
Best Practices:
Use relevant icons– Choose visuals that directly link to data conveyed.
Consistency – Use the same style icons throughout your data visualization for cohesiveness.
Embrace minimalistic visuals– Avoid using overcomplicated and unnecessary graphics. “The effectiveness of visualizations largely depends on their simplicity.”
Use professional images– Use high quality icons to maintain a seamless look.
Useful Tool: The Noun Project
When reviewing data- based slides, the absence of logos and icons can make the information appear unengaging and difficult to interpret. That’s where we come in with E-Tabs Vizualz – transforming complex data into clear, engaging visuals!
E-TABS VIZUALZ
Infographics, designed for Market Research.
Vizualz is the only PowerPoint plugin that enables you to quickly and easily display your data in an eye catching and engaging manner directly within your PowerPoint slides, at the click of a button.
With Vizualz you can enhance data reporting with a whole range of infographic types including filled, repeated & proportional images, gauges, maps, word clouds and more. Utilise hundreds of built-in icons or import your own brand logos, icons and pictures.
Incorporate these infographics into your own client presentations or even choose from a selection of expert data-designed slide templates that are included with Vizualz!
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