Data Visualization Guide

Chapter One
Big Data: massive volumes of information that can be collected from social media data as well as internal
company data. Analyzing and extracting insights from it is the goal.
Data Visualization: study of how to represent data by using a visual or artistic approach rather than
traditional reporting method.
Data Visualization Types: dashboards and infographics = combination of charts, texts, and images to
communicate the message of data.
Business Intelligence: practice of transforming data into meaningful and useful information via a form of
visualization or data report. This is a multi-billion dollar industry, continues to grow exponentially as
more companies to seek ways to use their big data to gain valuable insight into past, current, and future
events.
Data Visualization Traits:
1. Useful: people use it on a regular basis and can make relevant decisions by viewing all the
information they need in one place.
2. Desirable: it’s not only easy to use but also nice to use.
3. Usable: people who use it can accomplish their goals quickly and easily.
Design Process:
1. BI Dashboard Formula
2. How to develop a visualization from start to finish
Excellence in Data Visualization
1. Visually Appealing: more sophisticated tools to create a visualizing data experience.
2. It’s Scalable: if data visualization is successful others will use it. Build the visualization on a
system that is scalable for accessibility for future maintenance and modifications.
3. Gives User Right Information: problem when users focus on the visual or a feature and not what
they actually need. Define exactly how it will be used, such as for self-service, drill down, deep
analysis or executive overview.
4. It’s accessible: accessible visualization is easy to use and can be modified when necessary. The
data must be accessible on any device at any time at any place. Critical for user adoption.
5. Allows rapid development and deployment: users need info today and provide it in a timely
fashion.
Chapter Two: Common Types of Data Visualization