DataViz Slides Session 1-1.pdf

Data Visualization Course overview Unit 1 – Introduction to DataViz C DataViz design Unit 2 – Optimal use of charts/ graphs; and data storytelling Unit 3 – Working with Tableau Unit 4 – Creating DataViz, dashboards, and data stories with Tableau Session 1 – Part 1 Visualization “the ac...

Data Visualization Course overview Unit 1 – Introduction to DataViz C DataViz design Unit 2 – Optimal use of charts/ graphs; and data storytelling Unit 3 – Working with Tableau Unit 4 – Creating DataViz, dashboards, and data stories with Tableau Session 1 – Part 1 Visualization “the act of making something able to be seen by the eye” Data visualization “a visual display of information, usually in a multi-level format”, and including conveying information “through the graphical representations of data” OXFORD 2024. Oxford Learner's Dictionary.  DataViz is… The use of visual elements, such as, charts, graphs, maps to tell a story of information and data in a way that is visual Graphical storytelling helps us to better… Inform Comprehend and analyze To enable (who, what, when, where, and how…) (trends, outliers, and patterns in data…) (data-driven decisions…) How to: design usable and useful DataViz 1) Who will use the visualizations? Speak to end-users to understand: 2) Why do they need the information? 3) What (which type of devices) will be used to access the visualizations Select the right type of DataViz, including applicable layout, hierarchy, typography, color, interactivities… Create low-fidelity, paper-based sketches, wireframes, and/or prototypes before committing to visuals with a robust, coded (expensive) tool Uncover critical elements and identify the requirements that are necessary for decision-making (and nothing more!)  Types of DataViz Infographics Charts Graphs Tables Maps Dashboards Infographics “The best infographics turn heavy data, facts, or timelines into clear, easily digestible visual design that can be a delight to look at. They combine good design, illustration, and even animation with salient data to present complex information in a way that is more stimulating and engaging than any factsheet.” https://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design-tips/information-graphics-1232836 Infographics help us to remember and understand People are 30 times more likely to read an infographic, than a regular (typically text-based) article People remember 65% of the information on the pictures they see Visual information helps us to understand better  Illustrate data Simplify complex information Infographics Compare two or more things are useful to: Make patterns and relationships visible Raise awareness Infographics are useful in business because… Images are processed 60,000 times faster in our brains than text They enhance stories Infographics mainly use graphics - text is added only to supplement the visuals People only skim through text – the combination of images, bright colors, and They are memorable numbers are easier to remember Digital users see (and potentially interact with) infographics when they scroll They improve brand visibility through social media and on their digital devices Sharing of engaging snapshots of data (e.g., on social media) starts deep They are shareable conversations with like-minded people When infographics are well-received online, it could be repurposed for They can be repurposed for print marketing with posters, leaflets, billboards, etc. https://www.thedrum.com/open-mic/top-5-reasons-why-you-should-use- infographics#:~:text=Studies%20suggest%20that%20infographics%20improve,history%2C%20alongside%20countless%20other%20things. How to make an infographic… Research the topic Gather data Organize the data in a visual Charts; Graphs; Maps; Timelines; Etc. format, e.g., by creating… Infographic design… Graphical visualizations show patterns and trends in data Color draw attention to specific sections Structure and flow create a visual that easy to follow and digest Images and symbols must be engaging and attention grabbing as well as relate to the topic of the infographic Small amounts of text use the least number of words – don’t overwhelm the viewer Author: Evan Brown (DesignMantic) https://www.designmantic.com/blog/infographics/abc-of-design/?sscid=51k8_zpn6l In summary… Information graphics (infographics) are useful to: Present information in a visual (graphic) and appealing way Simplify or summarize complex information and large amounts of data Make large amounts of complex data easily understandable at a glance Compare two or more different things Make patterns and relationships visible Communicate a specific message Monitor changes in variables Most importantly – infographics engage our brains – https://neomam.com/13reasons/ Session 1 – Part 2 Visual thinking for DataViz  Good DataViz excites the audience’s sense of sight  Our brains process up to 83% of information by looking at it  BUT BE CAREFUL!  Don’t overload your viewers’ senses! GESTALT PRINCIPLES OF VISUAL PERCEPTION PROXIMITY SIMILARITY ENCLOSURE CLOSURE CONTINUITY CONNECTION Knaflic (2015). Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals. Cognitive load and DataViz  Cognitive load =the mental effort (brain power) used in our working memory to process visual elements  Every element added to your page/screen takes up cognitive load from your audience  Only add visual elements that adds informative value  Declutter!  Avoid unnecessary cognitive load  Processing that takes up mental resources but does not help the audience to understand the information  Be mindful of the data-ink ratio  Devote the largest possible share a graphic’s ink to data  Maximize the signal-to-noise ratio  The signal =the information that we want to communicate  The noise =element that don’t add to (or even distract from) the message Clutter! Adds unnecessary cognitive load, e.g., Visual elements that take up space without increasing understanding Visual communication that appears more complicated than needed Makes us lose our audience… Clever use of colors, size, position… Leverage size and/or use color to highlight important parts Use color sparingly and intentionally (don’t just be colorful!) Zigzag “Z” – people read from top-left, or scan in zigzag motion across (either way – they look at the top of the page first!) NB! ethical use of (online) graphics Copyrightvs.RoyaltyFree InternetSearches Make sure that you Some online images are have legal permission to free to use (e.g., use graphics, copyright publishing online without infringements can be explicit copywritten costly indicators waives privacy of use) What is Tableau? A Business Intelligence tool that enables you to use your data to ask and answer detailed questions It is used to tell visually compelling stories that offer insight, understanding, and intelligence, to support business decisions Watch this video - Tableau introduction video The link to official Tableau web page: “Start with data. Move forward with Tableau.” Follow the instructions given on the MyCourses page to download and activate Tableau for use in this course.