A Bit More on DATA VISUALIZATION

• Presents massive amounts of data in a memorable way (form of “knowledge compression”)• Helps you tell stories quickly and

persuasively. • Shows patterns and connections in data

that would otherwise be abstract.

DATA VISUALIZATION…

According to the 2000 census, the town of Ardmore had a population of 34, 567. By the 2010 census, the town’s population had decreased by 4,500. In the 2000 census, the town of Morrison had a population of 23, 809, but by the 2010 census, the population had increased by 3,689. The 2010 census figure for the town of Berkesville was 25, 675, which was an increase of 2,768 from the 2000 census.*

The average human would have to spend quite a bit of time to understand the meaning of this passage…

*Taken from Philip C. Kolin, Successful Writing at Work

…whereas this one makes complex info available at a glance.

It should be immediately apparent AT A GLANCE what data is being presented (not like this).

Or this…

Or this.

ASK YOURSELF:What story do you want your document to tell?

DO NOT• Use visuals as a substitute for written work.• Use visuals just for decoration.• Distort visuals.• Present visual information that contradicts your written

text.

DO• Consider how your visuals will look on the page.• Create easy-to-read visuals.• Use templates in Google Docs, MS Word, PowerPoint,

Excel.• Cite the source for your visuals.