Data Visualization: Home

Data visualization is a general way of talking about anything that converts data into a visual representation such as charts, graphs, maps, and tables. Data visualizations can help you...

• Help us to see patterns and/or outliers in data
• Present data in an easy to understand way
• Visually show the relationship between two or more variables
• Construct meaning through both our conscious and pre-conscious ("snap") judgements, based on our basic knowledge and understanding of the world around us
• Focus on one area, or variable, of data.

• Label axes and keys to make the visualization easier to understand
• Colors should be: logical, distinguishable, accessible, and necessary
• Cultural norms and bias play a part in how we interpret visual cues, so make sure to keep in mind both your own and your intended audience's biases or judgements, based on our basic knowledge and understanding of the world around us.
• Some patterns can be represented in a variety of ways.
• Both our conscious and pre-conscious ("snap") judgments, based on our basic knowledge and understanding of the world around us, and may affect how we interpret visualizations..