Data Visualization Tools

As we discussed earlier this month, there is an ever-increasing need and desire for information to be presented in a visually appealing way. Making data stand out in a unique, creative, and understandable manner takes time and lots of thought. However, there are various data visualization tools and resources that make it easy to communicate information efficiently. Below are some programs that can help with presentation design and links to sites for obtaining FREE high-quality photos.

Data Visualization Resources

Office Timeline	What it does: Visual planning aid that allows you to show timelines for projects that you’re working on. For more information: https://www.officetimeline.com/
Prezi	What it does: Presentation software that zooms in and out of presentations to highlight what you want to communicate in a stimulating way. For more information: http://prezi.com/
Bubbl.us	What it does: Makes mind maps and flow charts to help you show concepts and processes visually. For more information: https://bubbl.us/
FreeRange Stock	What it does: Free high-quality photo site that offers lots of photo options that are searchable through keywords. For more information: http://freerangestock.com/index.php
Jing	What it does: Allows you to capture what you see on your computer screen and make an audio recording to describe it, which can then be shared on the web or through e-mail and social media. For more information: http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Pages

In today’s fast-paced environment, data consumers are increasingly pressed for time leading to an enhanced  need and desire for straight to the point and easy-to-digest reports and/or presentations. Stakeholders, at all levels, seem to get overwhelmed when presented with a lot of information at once and tend to gloss over key points when presented with information that is too lengthy, too wordy, or too complex. Along those lines, many of our clients are requesting data dashboards (i.e., at-a-glance images or graphs that present data points and information in a succinct manner) that convey key metrics of interest in lieu of a report. While visual data depiction can make information less intimidating and is easier to understand it’s important to ensure the message is clearly delivered, is relevant, and provides meaningful information.  Below are some tips for effective data visualization:

1)  Balance the design and the function—the way you visually present information needs to look good AND communicate something important. Avoid making beautiful graphs that don’t communicate much, and similarly, avoid cramming too much information into a graphic.

2)  Good images stand-alone—you shouldn’t need much text to explain what’s going on in your graphs. The audience should be able to understand them just by looking at them.

3)  Don’t distort the data—graphs make it easy to show a message, but it’s important that the message accurately reflects the data. Ensure your figures are to scale so that audiences understand the data as they are.

4)  Ensure your data is meaningfully telling a story — while visuals are generally easy to understand, it’s still important that the information you are presenting ties together well and tells a story. Additionally, laying out information or graphics in sequential order (or in whatever manner makes sense for what you’re communicating) allows for a greater understanding and makes information easier to follow.