Tips, Tricks, and Pitfalls Bob Scopatz Data Visualization Tips, Tricks, and Pitfalls Bob Scopatz
First Data Plot: circa 1644
Minard 1869
Modern Times: And Traffic Safety There are 100s of types of graphs Most of what we see is 3 types: Bar Line Pie Graphic Tools are Good and Bad
Bad Example: USA Today
Another Bad Example: USA Today
Pitfall #1: Art over Information Tufte: Chart Junk Visual elements that convey nothing Or worse…confusing/contrary information
Tip: Not all Graphic Artistry is Bad
Trick: Use Dimensions Meaningfully Size (Height, Length, Width, Depth) Color Shape Fill (pattern, transparency) NOTE: Extra time looking should be rewarded by more information extracted
Pitfall: Excel Options
Tip: Visual Comparison
Tricks Small Multiples Animation
Small Multiples
Animation
Free Tools! Google Public Data Explorer Data Scene (Express Version)
Google Public Data Explorer Animations Bubble Charts Add own data!
Data Scene (Express) Commercial Product Free version Limitations in Free Version Animations
Or…Build it Yourself