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Data Visualization. Tips, Tricks, and Pitfalls Bob Scopatz. First Data Plot: circa 1644. Minard 1869. Modern Times: And Traffic Safety. There are 100s of types of graphs Most of what we see is 3 types: Bar Line Pie Graphic Tools are Good and Bad. Bad Example: USA Today.
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Data Visualization Tips, Tricks, and Pitfalls Bob Scopatz
Modern Times: And Traffic Safety • There are 100s of types of graphs • Most of what we see is 3 types: • Bar • Line • Pie • Graphic Tools are Good and Bad
Pitfall #1: Art over Information • Tufte: Chart Junk • Visual elements that convey nothing • Or worse…confusing/contrary information
Trick: Use Dimensions Meaningfully • Size (Height, Length, Width, Depth) • Color • Shape • Fill (pattern, transparency) • NOTE: Extra time looking should be rewarded by more information extracted
Tricks • Small Multiples • Animation
Free Tools! • Google Public Data Explorer • Data Scene (Express Version)
Google Public Data Explorer • Animations • Bubble Charts • Add own data!
Data Scene (Express) • Commercial Product • Free version • Limitations in Free Version • Animations