How to Get Started Data Visualization? A Complete Data Visualization Guide
Have you ever thought about the magic of converting raw unstructured data into appealing designs that are easy to read? This is the new normal since data operates at the core of all operations across the industries. The above question is supported by the research conducted within the past few months and uncovered that over 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are produced daily. Even though data is generated on a daily basis, there is a need to process and analyze the data and incorporate the findings into other operations. Remember that human beings are firmly connected to data stories provided that you present them in an orderly manner. When data is available in its raw format, it cannot be applied anywhere since it doesn’t make any sense. This is where the art of data visualization comes in to make the process easier. You can easily create visuals from your data even if you are not a data professional. However, the main area of focus is to evaluate how this can be done to eliminate the lots of manual work in data presentations. Read this data visualization guide for more information about the types and tools of data visualization!
What is Data Visualization and Why is it Important?
Data visualization refers to the presentation of complex data sets in a graphical manner. It includes the process of picking raw data sets from a spreadsheet and converting it into a bar chart or line chart with the aim of making it easy to read and understand. Data Visualization guide gives you the ability to read and analyze data with much ease regardless of its complexity.
In addition, your graphical choice mainly represents the nature of the data you intend to visualize. You may decide to choose any visualization randomly but it is important to take your time and effort to make the right decision for the clarity of your data. Visualization is applied in all operations that involve data that needs to be presented to a specific audience.
However, data visualization is mostly applied within the business context helping business professionals in generating compelling data reports that determine their performance. Also, it is applied on business dashboards to track crucial metrics and offer a detailed view of the entire market audience.
But why dos we need to visualize data? It is accompanied by lots of advantages that make it a crucial methodology that cannot be neglected. Below are some of the reasons why data visualization is important.
Improves Data Analysis
Data visualization analyzes and processes data to identify trends and patterns available within the data sets. This is an extremely difficult task that you cannot manage to accomplish especially if you decide to utilize the manual approach. It gives you the freedom to compare and contrast the performance of your business against your close competitors.
However, you need to understand that visualization will not always shed light on your wins. Its main focus is to uncover hidden data insights regardless of them being negative or positive. After the analysis, you can easily identify the areas where you are underperforming and where you can capitalize on the market opportunities.
Aids in Analytics and Reporting
Reporting is a key aspect across all businesses. However, generating reports needs you to have an awesome grip on analyzing complex data sets. Data visualization aids in breaking down complex data variables into small elements that can be easily read and understood. It uncovers hidden data insights and analyzes them in data reports enhancing clarity and ensuring that readers understand the portrayed message.
Visualization Tells a Data Story
If you conduct data visualization with the aim of enhancing the performance of your business, you need to use the data you have to persuade customers to purchase your products. The only way you can convince them that whatever you are offering is worth is by telling data stories. Your stories should be filled with facts to make them gain your trust.
Besides, when data is presented in a story format, it becomes easier for your readers to outline the main points and take the desired action. Note that when you choose the most appropriate data visualization tool, you stand a better chance to tell your data story in a few words, and the point will be delivered.
Enhances Engagement
Engagement is key anytime you are reporting essential business metrics. In addition, you don’t need to only focus on getting the attention of your market audience but also persuade them to take the required action after the report. If you utilize data visualization, you will be propelling the success of all these objectives.
Using compelling visuals to present data attracts your audience’s attention, earning you a competitive advantage in business. Also, this mechanism helps your audience to read and analyze your data content easily.
Data Visualization Types and Examples
You can acquire and use multiple types of data visualization (line chart, bar chart, gauge chart, etc.) to facilitate your visualization needs depending on the nature of your data. Below are the types of data visualization and their examples that you need to know.
Scatterplots
A scatterplot, also known as a scatter chart is used to showcase the relationship between different data sets. In this scenario, every data item is displayed as a single point to make the analysis easier and faster. When dealing with three different data sets, you need to advance your strategy and apply the 3D scatterplots.
Bar Charts
This is one of the most common data visualization tools that are easy to read and interpret. Even though bar charts may appear simple, they play an influential role when you want to analyze categorical data. Note that the height and width of the bars are equal to the exact values that they present. When you want to compare discrete data, look no further rather than a bar graph.
Radar Charts
Radar charts, also known as Spider charts, are good when you intend to present multivariate data. Also, it’s an awesome choice if you want to compare different features existing between observations. The radar chart works well at identifying outliers and the commonality found between the observations.
Data Visualization Tools
Let’s have a glimpse at some of the best data visualization tools you need to know!
Microsoft Power BI
If you are dealing with business intelligence data, Microsoft Power BI is the most appropriate tool that you can use to analyze the data concept. The tool can be easily integrated with SAS products such as MailChimp and Google Analytics.
Plotly
This data visualization tool is mainly used to generate interactive graphs, maps, and charts. In addition, you can use Plotly to create a visualization of a particular dataset. Note that the graphs generated by this tool are interactive in nature and easy to read.
Excel
Excel has a simple data interface making it easy to use and interact with. In addition, Excel gives you multiple ways that you can use it in visualizing technical data aspects into pretty good interactives from your data.
Conclusion
According to researchers, 50% of the human brain is active in facilitating visual processing. This indicates that business stakeholders should prioritize using data visualization in presenting their reports to the market audience. It is high time that individuals need to learn data visualization and its practices to make data communication activities simple. Hope this Data visualization guide helps you.
