Unit 03: LO 6 - 6.2 - Data Visualisation Methods

Charts (Pie, Funnel, Area)

• Pie Chart: Represents data in a circular format.

  • Best for: Showing parts of a whole.

• Funnel Chart: Shows a flow of data through stages, usually in a process.

  • Best for: Illustrating stages in a sales process or any other conversion process.

• Area Chart: Similar to a line graph but with the area below the line filled in.

  • Best for: Showing volume in relation to another variable like time.

  • What it Is: A chart is a general term that encompasses various types of data visualizations like bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts.

  • Best for: Providing a visual representation of data in various formats depending on the type of data and what you want to show.

Graphs

• Bar Graph: Shows categorical data with rectangular bars.

  • Best for: Comparing quantities across categories.

• Line Graph: Plots data points on a two-dimensional plane and connects them with lines.

  • Best for: Showing trends over time.

Tables

• What it Is: A grid that displays data in rows and columns.

• Best for: Presenting exact figures and allowing for easy look-up, but not ideal for spotting trends quickly.

Maps

• What it Is: A graphical representation of geographical data.

• Best for: Showing regional differences, densities, or distributions.

Heatmaps

• What it Is: Represents data through colors, where the colour intensity indicates the value of the data point.

• Best for: Showing patterns of activity or concentration in a data set, such as user behaviour on a webpage.

Infographics

• What it Is: A visual representation that combines data visualizations with text, images, and design to tell a story or explain a concept.

• Best for: Summarizing complex information or data sets into an easily digestible format.

Dashboards

• What it Is: An interface that displays multiple data visualizations in one place, often in real-time.

• Best for: Monitoring multiple metrics simultaneously and making quick, informed decisions.

Each of these visualization methods has its strengths and weaknesses, so it's crucial to match the method with the specific needs and goals of your data presentation.