Data Viz-tory: Turning Numbers into Stories

Welcome to the world of data visualisation – where the boring and the mundane transform into a vivid and exciting journey of discovery. In today’s world, we are surrounded by an endless stream of information that bombards us every single day. But what good is this data if we can’t make sense of it? That’s where the magic of data visualisation comes in – it allows us to turn raw numbers and statistics into beautiful, insightful, and actionable visual representations. It’s like a superpower that lets us see through the fog of complexity and make better decisions with confidence. So, buckle up and join me on this exciting adventure, as we explore the fascinating world of data visualisation and discover how it can transform the way we see and understand the world around us.

Let’s focus on the importance of being able to visualise data for relevance! As David McCandless, a data journalist and author, said, “Data is the new soil.” And just as farmers need to cultivate their soil to produce a fruitful harvest, we must be able to effectively visualise data to reap its benefits.

In this article, we will explore why it is crucial, what makes for effective data visualisation, and how we can use it to better understand our world.

As an expert in the field, Nathan Yau notes, “The goal of visualisation is to communicate a story in a clear and concise way.” To do this, we need to pay attention to both the visual design and the data itself.

When it comes to visual design, we want to create something that is both visually appealing and easy to read. This means using colour, typography, and layout to guide the viewer’s eye and highlight key points. At the same time, we want to avoid clutter and unnecessary distractions that can detract from the message we are trying to convey.

When it comes to the data itself, we want to choose the right type of visualisation to best represent the data. For example, a line graph might be appropriate for showing trends over time, while a scatter plot might be better for showing the relationship between two variables. We also want to make sure that we are accurately representing the data and avoiding any biases or misinterpretations.

Effective data visualisation is all about balance: balancing form and function, aesthetics and usability.

Data visualisation can be used in a wide variety of contexts to help us better understand our world. Here are just a few examples:

• In business, data visualisation can help us track key performance indicators and identify areas for improvement.
• In journalism, it can help us tell stories in a more compelling and engaging way.
• In science, it can help us identify patterns and relationships in large datasets.
• In education, it can help us teach complex concepts in a more accessible way.
• In all of these contexts, to be effective, it requires a combination of technical skills and creative thinking. As McCandless notes, “Visualisation is an art and a science, and to be successful, you need to have a deep understanding of both.”

Data visualisation is an essential tool for anyone working with data. It allows us to see patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent in raw data, communicate complex ideas more effectively, and better understand our world. To be successful, we need to balance form and function, aesthetics, and usability, and have a deep understanding of both the visual design and the data itself. So, let’s get out there and start visualizing our data!

65%

of information shown in a visual is remembered, compared with only 10% of the information that is heard