1 Learn the concept
Among the most common questions people ask about data visualization are: what are the different types of charts, and when do you use each? Visualization is broader than charts. It includes dashboards, maps, infographics and interactive views. This lesson explains how the types differ and how to choose between them for an audience.
2 See it in action
- Charts and graphs: show specific comparisons or trends.
- Dashboards: combine key numbers in one place.
- Maps: show geographic patterns.
- Infographics: tell a story with data and design.
Worked example
Simplifying a chart
Start: a chart with eight colors and a legend.
Change 1: gray for all bars, one accent color for the key bar.
Change 2: direct labels, no legend.
Change 3: a title that states the insight, such as "Search drives 40 percent of leads".
Result to look for: a reader gets the point in five seconds.
3 Study an example
Example scenario
For executives, a team builds a one-page dashboard with five numbers and a trend line. For a public report, it builds an infographic that tells the same story in a more visual way.
4 Apply it and download
- Choose an audience and a goal.
- Pick the visualization type that fits.
- Sketch it before building.
Worksheet Data cleaning checklist and report templateOpen, print or save as PDF