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Key Insights in Data Visualization

The document summarizes lessons from Alberto Cairo about data visualization. Some key points include: not all data needs visualization; tables are better when individual values are more important than patterns; stick to traditional forms but non-traditional styles can also be useful; be careful of aggregation paradoxes and outliers; use words to explain graphics; show limitations and uncertainty. The document provides many additional resources on data visualization fundamentals, history, mapping, dashboards, and design books.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
214 views39 pages

Key Insights in Data Visualization

The document summarizes lessons from Alberto Cairo about data visualization. Some key points include: not all data needs visualization; tables are better when individual values are more important than patterns; stick to traditional forms but non-traditional styles can also be useful; be careful of aggregation paradoxes and outliers; use words to explain graphics; show limitations and uncertainty. The document provides many additional resources on data visualization fundamentals, history, mapping, dashboards, and design books.

Uploaded by

FandiImanda
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Introduction and Opening
  • Examples of Data Visualization
  • Alberto Cairo's Publications
  • The Necessity of Visualization
  • John W. Tukey and Data Analysis
  • Importance of Tables vs. Visualizations
  • Graphics Should Match Goals
  • Details in Graphics
  • Data Aggregation Caution
  • Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Graphics
  • Hurricane Dorian Case Study
  • Useful Resources and Exercises
  • Conclusion and Further Reading

Data and Computational Journalism Conference Indonesia (DCJ-CI) 2022

DATA VISUALIZATION
A few personal lessons

[Link] Twitter: @albertocairo


2012 2016 2019 2023 (crossing fingers!)
Not everything needs to be a visualization
The relationship between patterns and their exceptions is a key principle of data exploration:
to uncover patterns and trends, but also the exceptions to those patterns and trends.

“The greatest value


of a picture is when it
forces us to notice
what we never
expected to see.”

John W. Tukey
When reading individual values is more important than overall patterns, tables are better
When patterns are more important than individual values, visualizations are better

The “hockey stick chart” The Warming Stripes

Michael E. Mann, Raymond S. Bradley,


and Malcolm K. Hughes
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC), Third Report, 2001
Use a level of detail that matches the intended goals of the graphic:
don’t oversimplify, don’t overcomplicate
The danger of aggregating data too much,
and presenting just averages and other statistical summaries

Most places are pretty safe, and


have likely remained down here
(these aren’t real data points)
The danger of aggregating data too much,
and presenting just averages and other statistical summaries

Some places are so


far up that they skew
the national rate

Most places are pretty safe, and


have likely remained down here
(these aren’t real data points)

Careful with amalgamation


paradoxes and outliers
[Link]
In general, stick to traditional graphic forms
[Link]
[Link]
Non-traditional styles and graphic forms may be useful depending on the nature of the project

[Link]
Don’t assume that graphics always explain themselves
How to read the NHC cone of uncertainty

1 2 3 4 5
Use words (written or spoken)
[Link]
The Joy of Stats
Extra materials
Where to go from here
Visualization books freely available online

[Link] [Link]
EXTRA READINGS:

Various articles about data visualization


[Link]
vZ_0McK30_zEThEtW1a?dl=0

The Financial Times’s columns about data visualization


[Link]
AABh1k59lSo4dUb765DbLxjHa?dl=0
Readings from DataWrapper

DataWrapper’s blog: DataWrapper tool:


[Link] [Link]
[Link]
Accessibility in data visualization
[Link]
data-visualization/

[Link]
accessible-data-viz-is-better-data-viz Don’t vary just hue.
Vary also brightness

[Link]
1OFmCvSt6bGk7u0kH6Kf5tIVQPMZ-wEKw/view

[Link]
accessibility-where-are-we-now-and-whats-next-
b2c9eeac4e8b\
[Link]
Other resources about visualization in Excel:

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]
[Link]

[Link]
Showing and explaining limitations and uncertainty

[Link] [Link]

Collection of papers about visualizing uncertainty:


[Link]
[Link]
Visualization fundamentals
History, inspiration, examples
Mapping
Dashboards
Books about visual design
THANK YOU

[Link] Twitter: @albertocairo

Common questions

Powered by AI

Freely available visualization resources and books online offer several advantages, including accessibility to a wide range of expertise, up-to-date techniques, and diverse perspectives. These resources help broaden understanding and improve skills in data visualization without financial barriers .

When choosing between traditional and non-traditional graphic forms, the nature of the project and the audience's familiarity with different types of visualization should be considered. Traditional forms are generally safer and more easily understood, while non-traditional forms may be useful for specific, innovative projects that require alternative approaches .

Accessibility in data visualization ensures that visual content is understandable and usable by all individuals, including those with disabilities. Implementing accessibility best practices improves the inclusivity and effectiveness of visual communication, broadening audience engagement and understanding .

Aggregating data extensively can lead to the loss of important nuances, the risk of amalgamation paradoxes, and an overemphasis on outliers, which can skew perceptions like national rates. This presents a misleading picture by masking significant variations and localized trends .

Considering both patterns and their exceptions is crucial in data visualization because it helps uncover trends while also highlighting anomalies that may provide important insights. Patterns can reveal general trends, but exceptions often tell a compelling story or indicate areas that require further investigation. This principle aligns with Tukey's idea that the value of a visualization often lies in unexpected revelations .

'Hockey stick charts' graphically represent historical climate data, showing a long flat period followed by a sharp increase, resembling a hockey stick. They are effective in climate change communication because they vividly illustrate the rapid rise in global temperatures, making the data more comprehensible and compelling to a general audience .

Tables should be preferred over visualizations when reading individual values is more important than understanding overall trends or patterns. This allows for precise data examination and is beneficial when specific numerical values are crucial for interpreting information .

The level of detail in a data graphic should be determined by the intended goals of the graphic, ensuring it neither oversimplifies nor overcomplicates the information. This balance helps in effectively communicating the message without losing the audience in unnecessary complexity or missing out on important details .

Varying both hue and brightness enhances data visualization by improving differentiation between data points, thus making patterns and contrasts more discernible. This approach prevents reliance on a single dimension of color, facilitating a clearer and more accessible visualization .

It is important not to assume that graphics explain themselves because viewers may misinterpret them without proper guidance. Effective communication requires using supplementary explanations, such as written or spoken words, to ensure that the intended message is accurately conveyed and comprehended .

DATA VISUALIZATION
A few personal lessons 
www.albertocairo.com (http://www.albertocairo.com) (http://www.albertocairo.com) T
2012
2016
2019
2023 (crossing fingers!)
Not everything needs to be a visualization
The relationship between patterns and their exceptions is a key principle of data exploration: 
to uncover patterns and trend
When reading individual values is more important than overall patterns, tables are better
Michael E. Mann, Raymond S. Bradley, 
and Malcolm K. Hughes
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 
Change (IPCC), Third Report,
Use a level of detail that matches the intended goals of the graphic:
don’t oversimplify, don’t overcomplicate
Most places are pretty safe, and 
have likely remained down here
(these aren’t real data points)
The danger of aggregating da

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