by Nokulunga Ziqubu and
Aphelele Xulu
Data
visualization is the practice of converting data from raw figures into a
graphical representation such as graphs, maps, charts, and complex dashboards.
Choosing the right visualization is essential, your data is only as good as
your ability to understand and communicate it. The average person responds far
better to visual information compared to just plain text. Whether you are
buying a product or revising for an exam, visual stimulation over text
translation allows the brain to consume the material with ease. Visually
displayed data is easier to understand and analyse, making it faster for
decision makers to find patterns, including new and hidden, and to understand
even difficult concepts. Data visualization can be helpful in identifying
issues and deficits, choosing the best product and business operation strategy,
forecasting sales volumes and stock prices, fine-tuning project management and
resource administration, and so on.
Bar charts are best used to show change over time, compare
different categories, or compare parts of a whole.
References
AnyChart. (2018) What is data visualization? Definition, history,
and examples. Accessed on 2018-12-11:
https://hackernoon.com/what-is-data-visualization-definition-history-and-examples-e51ded6e444a
Crazy Egg. (n.d.) Potential data storytelling visuals.
Accessed on 2018-12-05:
https://twooctobers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/CrazyEggVisual.png
HubSpot. (n.d.) 8 Dos and
Don'ts for Creating Effective Infographics. Accessed on 2018-12-05:
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/dos-and-donts-infographic-creation
HubSpot & Visage. (n.d.) Data visualization 101: How to
design charts and graphs. Accessed on 2018-12-06: https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/53/file-863940581
pdf/Data_Visualization_101_How_to_Design_Charts_and_Graphs.pdf
Learnevents. (n.d.) Imagery vs text: Which does the brain
prefer? Accessed on 2018-12-11:
https://www.learnevents.com/blog/2015/09/07/imagery-vs-text-which-does-the-brain-prefer/
Severino R. (n.d.): Data visualization catalogue. Accessed
on 2018-12-06: https://datavizcatalogue.com/
TwoOctobers. (n.d.) The 8 commandments of data storytelling.
Accessed on 2018-12-06: https://twooctobers.com/blog/8-data-storytelling-concepts-with-examples/
Visme. (n.d.) The do’s and don’ts of chart making. Accessed
on 2018-12-06: https://blog.visme.co/dos-and-donts-chart-making/
Zoss, A. (2014) Top ten dos and don’ts for charts and graphs.
Accessed on 2018- 12-06: http://coalition.psesd.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Mini-Session-Data-Visualization-Handout-2.pdf
Learnevents. Imagery vs text: which does the brain prefer? Accessed
on 2018-12-11: https://www.learnevents.com/blog/2015/09/07/imagery-vs-text-which-does-the-brain-prefer/
