Data Visualization For Dummies

Chapter 16

Top Ten Fears of New Data-Viz Creators

We know that you're very interested in finding out how to create great data visualizations. If you weren't, you wouldn't be reading this book. But admit it: You're also a bit scared. There's no shame in that. As newbies, we were a bit overwhelmed when we created our first data visualizations. Tackling something new is always unsettling. Often, a lot is riding on producing a data viz that people find useful.

So how can you conquer these fears? The best way is to face them, and we want to help. This chapter looks at the top ten fears you may have as you start your first data viz.

We've worked with data viz clients for several years, and the same fears come up time and time again. We hope this list will show you that you're on the right track and among friends. Just jump in and get started — after reading this chapter.

Telling the Wrong Story

You've heard that data viz is about storytelling. Good data visualizations tell important stories that generate fabulous insights, right? But as you start developing your data viz, you have no idea what story you're going to tell. You can't know what the story is until you get everything assembled and put in place. So fear rears its ugly head. You wonder, “What if I don't have a story to tell? What if it's not inspiring and compelling?”

First things first. You can't tell your story until you ...