Data visualization is nothing but representation and presentation of data to facilitate understanding.

Data is usually textual and numeric in format which is typically datasets in table form. This form is data is raw data and one can interpret them efficiently as individual datapoints but can’t do comparative analysis & relationship between the data points.

Human eyes and mind are not equipped to interpret easily these textual & numeric values into quantitative and qualitative meaning. To derive better understanding of data we need to represent in visual form and it’s referred as data representation.

When data visualization is created ,it’s more about representing data visually through combination of marks and attributes.Marks are lines,points and attributes represent appearance of marks such as size,color and position. Data presentation focus more on the visual design decision and it deals with application interactivity , annotation etc.

When viewers looks at visualization, they will go through the process of understanding which is of three stages.

Three stages of Understanding:

Stage 1 : Perceiving ( what does it show ? )

Stage 2 : Interpreting ( what does it mean? )

Stage 3 : Comprehending ( what does it mean to me ? )

Perceiving :

At this stage , viewers will decode the representation of data displayed in visual and convert them into perceived values.

Users will be looking at below

– what are the big,medium and small values?

– How much is the total the value holds?

– How does the values compared?

– How it’s related to other values ?

Interpreting:

At this stage, users will convert the perceived values into some form of meaning with thier pre-existing knowledge of the subject and interpreting implications .

Users will be looking at the below

– Whether it’s good to be big or better to be small ?

– Is the relationship meaningful or insignificant?

– What does it mean to go up or down ?Comprehending :

At this stage , users will reason out based on earlier stages to look at what message is conveyed to them.

Users will be looking at the below

– Whats the main message conveyed ?

– What has been learnt by him ?

– Any actions to take ?

Data Visualisation Design principles :

There are three principles for good data visualization

Principle 1 : Trustworthy

This is about integrity and accuracy

Principle 2 : Accessible

This is about designing visual that facilitates users through the process of understanding

Principle 3 : Elegant

This is about designing visual quality that attracts the audience and sustain experience.

Hope this article will be helpful.