Data Visualization For Dummies

A straightforward, full-color guide to showcasing data so your audience can see what you mean, not just read about it

Big data is big news! Every company, industry, not-for-profit, and government agency wants and needs to analyze and leverage datasets that can quickly become ponderously large. Data visualization software enables different industries to present information in ways that are memorable and relevant to their mission. This full-color guide introduces you to a variety of ways to handle and synthesize data in much more interesting ways than mere columns and rows of numbers.

Learn meaningful ways to show trending and relationships, how to convey complex data in a clear, concise diagram, ways to create eye-catching visualizations, and much more!

• Effective data analysis involves learning how to synthesize data, especially big data, into a story and present that story in a way that resonates with the audience
• This full-color guide shows you how to analyze large amounts of data, communicate complex data in a meaningful way, and quickly slice data into various views
• Explains how to automate redundant reporting and analyses, create eye-catching visualizations, and use statistical graphics and thematic cartography
• Enables you to present vast amounts of data in ways that won’t overwhelm your audience

Part technical manual and part analytical guidebook, Data Visualization For Dummies is the perfect tool for transforming dull tables and charts into high-impact visuals your audience will notice…and remember.

Big Data Is Big Business

When it comes to interpreting the tremendous amounts of information available in today’s business world, data visualization is a critical tool. Organizations are clamoring to find visualization experts to help express and explain data in meaningful ways so that their big data can lead to big business.

Get to Know Your Audience

When you think about creating data visualizations, your mind probably goes immediately to the type of chart style you’ll use or the data that will populate it. But, before you make those choices, you need to take a step back and consider who the audience is for your visualization and how you will ensure that it has value to them.

It’s About More Than Good Design

It’s true that there are critical decisions that should be made about a variety of details that go into your visualization, but without robust user adoption, it will be a wasted effort. Here are five things you need to consider when creating visualizations that will enthusiastically be used.

Five Ways to Win Users for Your Data Visualizations:

• Understanding Your User’s Goals: It would be very easy to establish goals for your visualization if everyone who used them had the same agenda. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Even in a small department, users have different needs that may not overlap. While the differences may seem subtle, they really aren’t, and the only way to ensure you have a handle on these nuances is to meet with your major stakeholders to identify their needs and secure their buy-in.
• Knowing How Often the Data Will Be Accessed: The data you choose to populate your visualization with is the key to its value. When choosing data you want to be very clear about how often you expect users will need fresh data. Once that is determined, make sure users know when they can expect the data to be refreshed and how to go about accessing new content.
• Choosing the Right Look: When we talk about the right “look”, we are referring to things like the type of colors, navigation, fonts, and icons that are used. When creating your visualization, be sure to consider things like colors associated with a company’s brand, readability of fonts, and the best way to display your data so that users can navigate it with little to no instruction.
• Displaying Credibility: If users believe that your visualization lacks credibility, no amount of marketing will encourage them to use it, but how do you add something intangible, like credibility, to your design? It’s simple if you consistently include copyright information letting users know that you stand by your data, terms and conditions that outline how the visualization can be displayed, and your company logo to help users recognize and remember your brand.
• Announcing Its Availability: Don’t make your users find your data by accident. Whether your audience is internal or external, you have to vigorously promote your visualizations to let people know they exist and that they will be maintained and updated on a regular basis. You’ll be surprised at how much attention your visualizations can receive with just a little promotion. So, don’t be afraid to herald their entrance everywhere you can.

Table of Contents

Part I: Getting Started with Data Visualization
Chapter 1: Introducing Data Visualization
Chapter 2: Exploring Common Types of Data Visualizations
Chapter 3: Knowing What You Must about Big Data

Part II: Mastering Basic Data Visualization Concepts
Chapter 4: Using Charts Effectively
Chapter 5: Adding a Little Context
Chapter 6: Paying Attention to Detail

Part III: Building Your First Data Visualization
Chapter 7: Defining an Easy-to-Follow Storyboard
Chapter 8: Developing a Clear Mock-Up
Chapter 9: Adding Effective Visuals to Your Mock-Up
Chapter 10: Adding Functionality and Applying Color
Chapter 11: Adding Some Finishing Touches
Chapter 12: Exploring User Adoption

Part IV: Putting Data Viz Techniques into Practice
Chapter 13: Evaluating Real Data Visualizations
Chapter 14: Recognizing Newbie Pitfalls

Part V: The Part of Tens
Chapter 15: Top Ten Data Visualization Resources
Chapter 16: Top Ten Fears of New Data-Viz Creators