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.