Chapter 13
Evaluating Real Data Visualizations
In This Chapter
Using a data viz worksheet
Analyzing examples of data visualizations
It's easy to look at data visualizations in a superficial way and just enjoy the effect of the visuals. Some visualizations are dazzlingly interactive; others are funny or clever. But when it comes to real-world business data, the stakes are high.
The true power of a data visualization is realized when it provides insight, tells a story, and sheds light on key issues. These insights would be overlooked if they were presented in other, less visual formats.
In this chapter, we provide a worksheet that you can use to evaluate data visualizations, whether you created them or someone else did. We also show you some real examples of data visualizations so that you can see what works and what doesn't. Feel free to try out the worksheet as you examine the examples!
Analyzing Data Visualizations by Category
There's no better way to build confidence in your own data viz choices than to know how to evaluate what you're looking at. A worksheet that guides you through the major data viz categories is a must.
We've compiled the categories into Table 13-1, which ...
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