Visualization

the representation of an object, situation, or set of information as a visual

A picture is worth a thousand words

This is an old proverb which means that complex ideas can be presented by an image, which conveys the meaning in a better way than simply words. Visualizations achieve this effect by translating data into information, knowledge and wisdom.

figure 1: shows how data can be translated into information, knowledge and wisdom

We employ many types of visualizations commonly used in business decision making, including:

1. Tables: presenting data in a tabular form with header. More information can be added to further explain the header. Probably the simplest of all visualizations and effective to interpret data. How to configure a datatable?

2. Charts: a graphical representation of data, in which "the data is represented by symbols, such as bars in a bar chart, lines in a line chart, or slices in a pie chart --Wikipedia. Chart is effective to set the context and translate information into knowledge. How to configure Charts?.

3. Landscape: groupings of an object usually presented as nested boxes and color-coded to highlight different perspectives (heat-map). Landscape is effective to set the context and translate information into knowledge

4. Roadmap: defines a goal or desired outcome and includes the major steps or milestones needed to reach it. Roadmap is effective to set the context and translate information into knowledge

5. Matrix: a collection of information usually arranged into two rows and two columns

6. Cards: is a bordered and colored box usually used for KPIs.

figure 2: common visualization examples

Common types of charts:

• Bar Vertical

• Bar Horizontal

• Pie

• Advanced Pie

• Tree Map

• Cards

• Polar