Good and Bad Data Visualizations: Supply Chain Topic

Good Visualization

Description:

 Clarity: This visualization presents the data clearly. The key metrics are highlighted,
and the overall layout is intuitive, making it easy to interpret the data at a glance.
 Colour Usage: The colours used are perceptually uniform, ensuring that even colour-
blind viewers can distinguish between different data points. The colour scheme is
consistent and supports the data narrative.
 Labels: All axes and data points are well-labelled, including a legend that explains
what each colour represents. This makes the visualization self-explanatory.
 Simplicity: The visualization is straightforward and to the point, focusing on the most
important data without overwhelming the viewer with too much information.
 Accessibility: Adheres to accessibility standards by providing high-contrast colours
and clear text descriptions. Additionally, it includes data labels directly on the graph
for better readability.
Bad Visualization:

Description:

 Issues:
o Clutter: The visualization is cluttered with too many elements, making it
difficult to read.
o Colour Usage: Poor colour choices that do not consider colour-blind viewers.
The colours are not uniform making it hard to distinguish between different
data points.
o Labels: Missing or unclear labels make it difficult to understand what the data
represents. There is no legend.
 Improvements:
o Simplify: Remove unnecessary elements to reduce clutter. Focus on the most
important data points.
o Colour Scheme: Use a perceptually uniform colour map and ensure high
contrast. Consider using a colour-blind-friendly palette.
o Add Labels: data points are clearly labelled. Include a legend that explains
what each colour or symbol represents.

As an analyst, it's crucial to create data visualizations that are accessible to a broad audience.
This involves ensuring clarity, simplicity and proper use of colours and labels. Effective data
visualizations not only help in conveying the message clearly but also ensure inclusivity. I
feel confident in my ability to implement these tenets into my work, although it can be
challenging to always find the right balance between detail and simplicity. Staying updated
with best practices and continually refining my skills in accessible data visualization is
essential.