Do you know that data is the most valuable asset in business? Now you know! The value imposed on the data collected from a business setting cannot be over-emphasized. The reality is that data gives birth to more valuable information that business stakeholders use in decision-making.
With data at your disposal, you need to understand how to visualize it and generate insights. A chord diagram Excel is one of the methodologies you can choose to get the underlying information in your data. What is a chord diagram? How do you create one? This article addresses all these questions giving you the information you deserve. Let’s walk through it!
What is a Chord Diagram?
A chord diagram represents the flows or connections between two different entities, referred to as nodes. The diagram has a standard circle attached to it. The entities within the diagram are presented in the form of points outlined all around the external circle.
All the connections within the diagram are displayed as tiny arcs and curves within the internal circle. The connections within the diagram are used to show that there is something they all share in common. The diagram breaks down data and makes it easy to digest.
The chord diagram is applied in scenarios where there is a need to visualize connections and data flows. The data points are outlined clearly all around the external and internal circles making it easier to depict data relationships. Even though chord diagrams are vital in data analysis, creating one remains a problem among many.
Do you know how to create a chord diagram? This is a question that needs to be addressed in detail. Let’s discuss how you can navigate the process until you come up with a clear output.
How to Create Chord Diagrams in Excel?
Digital marketers mostly use a chord chart due to its simple nature and operation. If you are looking for different charts and graphs to visualize your data, this is one of the best options. There are different routes you can use when creating a chord chart. The choice you make depends on your preference and what works well for you.
The exciting part is that you can easily create chord diagrams in just a few steps, and you will have the job done. Besides, you can use it to help you for different purposes by giving you a clear glimpse of things you could not see with your bare eyes. Microsoft Excel is the best and simplest way to create a chord diagram.
Even though marketers use different approaches, getting a simple method that works well makes it more fun. Before you think of using chord diagrams, you automatically have something in mind that you want it presented. You have data at your disposal and an idea about what you need. But, there is something you need to know before you get started with using Excel.
Even though Excel is used to create a chord diagram, it does not have this option by default. To make your work easy and effective, you need a third-party app to help you do the job. You need to download an Excel add-in with this chart option to facilitate your activities. You need first to choose the best application that can serve your needs.
The best choice is the application that integrates easily with Excel and has many charting options. Also, be keen on the subscription packages. Ensure that you choose a package you are comfortable with to avoid depleting your bank account. After making the right choice, install the add-in and run it on Excel.
After setting up everything, upload your data to Excel. Always remember to certify your values before the process is underway to avoid unnecessary edits on the final chart. Also, this is an essential aspect to consider if you do not want to waste much of your time. On the main menu, click “insert” and press the “extensions” tab.
This is where you will get access to your add-in. Open it and search for a chord diagram. Click on it and highlight the data you want to plot on the chart. You can now click on the “Enter” tab, and a chord diagram will appear on your screen immediately. There you have your chord chart!
However, this does not mark the end of the process. When you look at the diagram, you will realize it’s not how you want it to be since it may appear as a sketch. This indicates that you still need to work on it until you have something presentable. The following step is the editing part! Click the “Edit” tab on the main menu, and a pen will appear all over the diagram.
You can make changes to the chart, such as adding the title and many others. Note that you can stretch anything you want on the chart until you have a complete chord chart that satisfies all your needs. Once you are done making all your preferred changes, you now have something presentable that depicts all your data, and you can now understand the existing connections and data relationships.
Why You Need to Use Data Visualization?
Put yourself in the shoes of a digital marketer who wants their content to be read by as many people as possible. Do you present your content in a normal way? Obviously, no! You need a better way that you can use to communicate with your audience. Data visualization makes it easier for marketers to connect with their target audience and deliver their message.
In addition, if you want someone to read your content, you need to capture their attention. Visuals are the best in capturing your audience’s attention since humans are always attracted to visuals. When you consider this approach, you will get it easier to speak to both the technical and non-technical audience
With data visualization, you don’t need to interpret anything for your readers since everything is presented to them clearly. This is supported by the fact that 50% of the human brain is visually active. When you consider this fact an advantage, you get it easier to speak directly to your market audience.
Conclusion:
Throughout this ride, you learned all the basic concepts about chord diagrams. You can incorporate these unique visuals in your data reports to grab your readers’ attention and enhance message delivery. Using Chord diagrams makes communication with your team members simpler since the diagrams are easy to understand.
Also, creating the chart does not waste your time since Excel has everything you need. The only point of consideration is to ensure that you have a reliable application to navigate the process. Depending on your needs, you can use the diagram in any of your data visualization projects. In addition, you can use the diagram to gather insights from your data and any available outliers.