How to: turn data into visualizations that inform decisions
This is the second blog in a series on data visualization. Read the first blog in the series for an introduction on the subject.
What I’ve found particularly interesting while working with clients to produce data visualizations is the lack of clarity around which information needs to be presented. Many clients have embraced data collection and are making use of the charts feature in Excel to create data visualizations. PowerPoint presentations are ballooning as visualizations are inserted to showcase all of the data being collected and the various explorations of data relationships. Having accessible and reliable data is certainly a necessity, and no small accomplishment, but it doesn’t resolve the issue that at the end of the presentation the viewers are left with unanswered questions. How are we doing? Where should we focus next?
This is an interesting dichotomy. We have a data overload and an information drought. You could say that the expression “data-informed decision” is a misnomer. read more