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Data visualization

Data visualization consists of presenting information and data graphically to synthesizing complex information and understanding patterns and exceptions presented in the data. Data visualization should not be used as decoration.

Which chart to use

The type of chart you use depends primarily on two things: the data you want to communicate, and what you want to convey about that data. These guidelines provide descriptions of various different types of charts and their use cases.

Comparison

Compare data between multiple distinct categories.

Bar chart Stacked bar chart Grouped bar chart Bubble plot Line chart

Change over time

Show data over a period of time, such as trends or comparisons across multiple categories.

Bar chart Stacked bar chart Area chart Line chart

Relationship & Distribution

Show the relationship between two or more variables or the frequency at which data occurs.

Bubble plot Scatter plot

Control

Used in processes to track the evolution of a variable against one or more values of reference.

Line control chart Area control chart

Part-to-whole

Show how partial elements add up to a total.

Pie chart Stacked bar chart Stacked area chart

Dashboards

Operational dashboard

Use it to provide information that demands immediate user action and time-sensitive data, such as data monitoring. This kind of dashboard is constantly updating.

Analytical dashboard

Use analytical dashboards to help users take future actions, investigate or analyze data. It updates less frequently than the operational dashboard (eg: 1 time a day). Learn more about dashboard types at Nielsen and Norman group website.

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