The Importance of Data Visualization

WHY IS DATA VISUALIZATION
IMPORTANT?

Big data is a broad term for data sets so large or complex that
traditional data processing applications are inadequate. Challenges
include analysis, capture, curation, search, sharing, storage,
transfer, visualization, and information privacy.
Big data is distinct from the internet, although the web makes it
much easier to collect and share data.
RESOURCE
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_dataWikipedia

90%OF ALL THE DATA IN THE WORLD HAS BEEN
GENERATED OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, 2.5
BILLION GB OF NEW DATA IS GENERATED EVERYDAY
RESOURCE
Sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130522085217.htm

1 TRILLIONCONNECTED OBJECTS AND DEVICES ON THE
PLANET GENERATED DATA IN 2015
RESOURCE
Sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130522085217.htm

One of the most important beneﬁts of visualization is that it
allows us visual access to huge amounts of data in easily
digestible visuals.
Well designed data graphics are usually the simplest and
at the same time, the most powerful.

Possible Process
Research, design, & development
teams come in here, processing
information and building a user
friendly tool. This is the
visualization phase.
Data mining, understanding a
potential strategy and story.
This is the discovery phase.
A web experience is created giving
the user a data-driven experience.
This is the experience phase.
RESOURCE
www.accurat.it/

Everything depends on the concept of layering, establishing
hierarchies and making them clear.
Challenging the viewer to think about the substance rather than
about the methodology, graphic design, or the technology used
to make the visualization.
Encourage the eye to compare, reveal the data at several levels
of detail, from a broad overview to minute statistics.
RESOURCE
The Visual Display of Quantitative Information - Edward R. Tufte

Data analysis are the stories we desire to tell. Visual composition is
the main architecture and the aesthetic value we desire to present.
Storytelling with data visualization creates an impactful response
from the user with numbers to back it up.
Data visualization plays a critical role in modern journalism.
RESOURCE
Mandi Geiselman, Interactive Designer, Centerline Digital
&
visualisingdata.com/index.php/2013/04/discussion-storytelling-and-success-stories/

DATA VISUALIZATION
VS. INFOGRAPHIC

Data visualization (data graphics) help you understand trends,
patterns, and to make correlations. They’re typically instruments
for reasoning about quantitative information.
Information graphics (info graphics) are typically a representation of
not only speciﬁc data points but information as well. They’re
usually instruments for reasoning about qualitative information.
RESOURCE
readwrite.com/2011/01/07/difference-between-datavisualization-infographics

Information graphics are visual representations of information, data
or knowledge often used to support information and strengthen it.
Data visualizations are visual displays of measured quantities by
means of the combined use of a coordination system, points, lines,
shapes, digits, letters quantiﬁed by visual attributes.
Both can be static, animated or interactive.
RESOURCE
readwrite.com/2011/01/07/difference-between-datavisualization-infographics

PROFESSIONAL
BENEFITS OF DATA VIZ

When's the optimal time to use data viz professionally?
1. Absorb information in new and more constructive ways.
2. Visualize relationships and patterns between operational
and business activities.
3. Identify and act on emerging trends faster.
4. Manipulate and interact directly with data.
5. Foster a new business language.
RESOURCE
data-informed.com/top-5-business-beneﬁts-using-data-visualization/

TOOLS USED TO BUILD
DATA VISUALIZATIONS

1. Google Charts
2. Modest Maps (mapping tool)
3. Visual.ly
4. Tableau
5. d3.js
RESOURCE
fastcodesign.com/3029239/infographic-of-the-day/30-simple-tools-for-data-visualization

Hans Rosling's 200 Countries,
200 Years, 4 Minutes - The Joy of Stats - BBC Four
Where Men Aren’t Working
nytimes.com/interactive/2014/12/12/upshot/where-
men-arent-working-map
U.S. Gun Deaths in 2013
guns.periscopic.com/
A Day in the Life of a NYC Taxi Driver
nyctaxi.herokuapp.com/

Here is Today
hereistoday.com/
Bracing for the Falls of an Aging Nation
nytimes.com/interactive/2014/11/03/health/bracing-
for-the-falls-of-an-aging-nation.html

THANK YOU!
Brenna Mickey, Interactive Designer
@brennamickey | bmickey@centerline.net
www.centerline.net

The Importance of Data Visualization

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