One of the best ways to give a clear picture of your collected data is by visualizing it. Data visualization is simply the process of displaying data so that it can be understood.
Data visualization can, therefore, help you save time and even money. According to studies by the Wharton School of Business, companies can shorten their business meetings by 24% using data visualization.
This article explores some of the most effective data visualization examples, features, and how to use them.
Sankey Chart
Sankey Chart is a visual representation of how data flows from one category to another. It gives a detailed presentation of how your data flows and changes from one stage to the next.
The Sankey chart also helps you discover how your customers interact with your brand and what they really want based on their behaviors.
Some of the insights you can learn include;
- How tight your funnel is doing
- Where you are using most of your resources
- How the data flows
Since it requires no coding or hassles, it can help you visualize your survey results within minutes and discover where you need to improve.
Pareto Chart
Also known as the Pareto diagram, the Pareto chart is a type of chart that contains both line and bar graphs.
While the length of the bar represents frequency, the line graph represents the cumulative total.
According to the Pareto principle or 80-20 Rule, 80% comes from only 20% of your efforts. You don’t need any statistical skills or a degree in mathematics to understand this formula.
With the Pareto Analysis, you can quickly start being productive and make important decisions for your business. Since it’s simple, it can help you get a solution and end stressful decision-making. You can actually use it to;
- Analyze data about the frequency of the problems
- Know the causes of the problems and focus on the most important ones
- Analyze the causes by considering particular components
- Communicate with others about your data
Pivot Table
As some of the most simple and effective ways to visualize data, Pivot tables can help you quickly summarize and analyze large amounts of data.
It also comes with additional features such as data bars, color formatting and different patterns to enhance the visual aspects.
Bubble Charts
Like Scatter charts, Bubble Charts depict the weight of values by circle circumference size. Their main difference is that they only represent a single measurement in one category.
You can use them to show why some varieties are more critical than others. This storytelling will help you focus on your most significant challenges and see how you can improve.
While these charts are mainly used to make political points, you can still use them to indicate actual comparative costs and values, misplaced priorities, relative costs, and values, or even how to streamline activities and cut costs.
The fact that they are some of the most effective data visualization examples make them worth using.
Treemaps
Treemaps generally compare values across different categories and subcategories while discovering the most critical areas.
You can create them by nesting color-coded rectangles inside each other.
Plus, you can use them to depict the value of different marketing channels, which can be broken down by country.
Polar Charts
Also known as the Polar area diagram, Polar Charts are some of the most effective data visualization examples that depict each value’s share of the whole by the size of the angle. All its sectors also have equal angles; the value is shown by how far it reaches from the circle’s center.
These charts are primarily used to compare multivariate data sets with different variables in the form of a two-dimensional chart. These charts are also known as web, radar, spider, and star charts. The best part is that you can use them to organize and present data so your audience can understand.
Scatter Plot
A scatter plot or Scatter chart is a diagram meant to represent the relationship between two variables or data points.
Typically using X and Y axes, the x-axis is the independent variable, while the y-axis is the dependent variable.
The best thing about it is that it maps lots of data in a single chart, thus allowing you to discover trends, shifts, and more.
Whether you need to test for correlations between variables or discover new trends, the Scatter Plot can be one of the best visualization tools.
Besides being a versatile tool, the Scatter plot helps you analyze varied data, multiple variables, robust data sets, etc. By Discovering these relationships, you can understand your data more and simplify any complex data sets.
Bar Charts
Bar charts can quickly come in handy if you want to compare different values. Also known as bar graphs, Bar Charts can be used to present data in rectangular bars with lengths are heights proportional to the values.
As one of the most versatile graphs, you can use them to measure frequency, compare results and understand visualizations more effectively.
This way, you can get more actionable and valuable insights from the charts. With these graphs, you can test one variable or a few categories.
Once you align your data with a proper bar graph, everything, including insights, will become clear. Bar graphs are also practical data communication tools that you can use to communicate ideas to your customers.
Conclusion
There you have it, practical data visualization examples. Whichever graph you opt for, you must ensure that it’s effective and accurate.
The software you use must be able to interact effectively with your data. It should also be able to use visualization software to handle any type of data to improve your results. There are a lot of things that you need to have in place before presenting your data. The first step is to understand your audience and also ensure that there are no unnecessary distractions while viewing the data.