Book Image

Data Visualization: a successful design process

Book Image

Data Visualization: a successful design process

Overview of this book

Do you want to create more attractive charts? Or do you have huge data sets and need to unearth the key insights in a visual manner? Data visualization is the representation and presentation of data, using proven design techniques to bring alive the patterns, stories and key insights locked away."Data Visualization: a Successful Design Process" explores the unique fusion of art and science that is data visualization; a discipline for which instinct alone is insufficient for you to succeed in enabling audiences to discover key trends, insights and discoveries from your data. This book will equip you with the key techniques required to overcome contemporary data visualization challenges. You'll discover a proven design methodology that helps you develop invaluable knowledge and practical capabilities.You'll never again settle for a default Excel chart or resort to "fancy-looking" graphs. You will be able to work from the starting point of acquiring, preparing and familiarizing with your data, right through to concept design. Choose your "killer" visual representation to engage and inform your audience."Data Visualization: a Successful Design Process" will inspire you to relish any visualization project with greater confidence and bullish know-how; turning challenges into exciting design opportunities.
Table of Contents (13 chapters)
Data Visualization: a successful design process
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
Index

Chapter 2. Setting the Purpose and Identifying Key Factors

Chapter 1, Context of Data Visualization, gave us some initial idea about the definition, context, and relevance of data visualization. We learned about the intersection that exists between art and science and outlined the significance of visual perception.

We also discussed the proposed value of a data visualization methodology and, ahead of our design process, learned about some key objectives we need to bear in mind throughout our work.

In this second chapter, we start the design methodology with the vital task of identifying the purpose of your visualization.

Before you undertake any design work, you have to be clear about the motivation behind a project's inception. This involves identifying who it is for and what needs you are trying to fulfill; this has a big influence on the scope of your work.

The second aspect of purpose will take a close look at the intention behind your project and how you define the visualization's function...