Data visualization is a visual representation of data, presentation of data using a form of visual communication or "presenting data in a schematic or pictorial manner while including different interchangeable and data units" (Wikipedia). The objective of presenting data in this manner is communicating the presented data to the user simply and usefully. In other words:
Present the data>discover it>understand it>decide!
Examples of data visualization:
(For source, click here)
(For source, click here)
Best practices for Data visualization
The visual data should provide added value beyond the "dry" information usually presented in basic charts, graphs and tables. Comparative information should be compared to quantifiable and well-defined objectives. Data should be simple and clearly understandable by users. Choose the type of visual presentation suitable for the presented information (e.g. timelines for presenting trends over time, a pie chart for comparing different parts of a whole, etc). Connect the users to your information, accustom them to use information presented to them.
Hereby are several YouTube videos on the subject. There are thousands of similar videos available on the web:
"The Future of Data Visualization" – Jeffrey Heer
The beauty of data visualization – David McCandless
ReForm | Data Becomes Art in Immersive Visualizations
Telling stories with data visualization and D3
In conclusion
I think that the following sentence, which I have read in some blog, best summarizes the subject of information and the need for business intelligence and advanced tools for the actualization of said BI. One of these tools is Data Visualization. This sentence simply states that: "Data Is the New Water" (Paul Weiskopf, Senior" Vice President of Corporate Development at Domo). Similarly to the water flowing through our body, data flows through an organization. A data needs information as much as we as individuals need water for sustenance. The information flow is essential for the organization to grow and prosper. BI (and data visualization as part of it) is the tool that enables the information flow in the organization, and as such is vital.
Further references:
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