5 Data Visualization Best Practices (2024)

Data visualizations are a powerful tool for conveying information and insights in a visually appealing and easily understandable way. However, creating effective data visualizations requires careful consideration and attention to best practices.

In this article, we will explore five key practices that can help you create data visualizations that are both visually appealing and effective in communicating your message.

1) Choose the Right Data Visualization Type

One of the first steps in creating an effective data visualization is to choose the right type of visualization for your data. The type of visualization you choose should depend on the nature of your data and the message you want to convey. In our previous on How to Create Stunning Data Visualizations, we cover some of the most common types and when use each.

When it comes to data visualization, there are numerous options available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the characteristics of different visualization types can help you make an informed decision.

Categorical Data

For example, if you want to compare categories or show the proportions of different groups, a pie chart might be appropriate. A pie chart divides a circle into slices, with each slice representing a different category or group. The size of each slice corresponds to the proportion of that category or group in the whole. This type of visualization is particularly useful when you want to highlight the relative sizes of different categories.

Numerical Data

On the other hand, if you want to compare numerical values across different categories, a bar graph might be more suitable. A bar graph uses rectangular bars to represent the values of different categories. The length of each bar corresponds to the value it represents. This type of visualization is effective in showing comparisons and trends.

Relationship Data

If your goal is to show the relationship between two variables or display patterns over time, a line graph or scatter plot might be the way to go. A line graph uses lines to connect data points, showing the progression of values over time or another continuous variable. A scatter plot, on the other hand, uses individual data points to represent the relationship between two variables. This type of visualization is great for identifying correlations or trends.

By choosing the right type of data visualization, you can ensure that your data is presented in a way that is visually engaging and easy to interpret. It is important to consider the nature of your data, the message you want to convey, and the audience you are targeting. Experimenting with different visualization types can help you find the most effective way to present your data.

2) Eliminate Clutter and Draw Attention to Relevant Data

When creating a data visualization, it is important to eliminate clutter and draw attention to the most relevant data. Too much information or unnecessary elements can distract the viewer and make it difficult to understand the main message of the visualization.

Eliminate Visual Clutter

To eliminate clutter, consider removing non-essential elements such as gridlines or unnecessary labels. Use color, size, or positioning to draw attention to the most important data points or trends. By doing so, you can guide the viewer’s attention to the key insights and ensure that your visualization is clear and focused.

One effective way to eliminate clutter is to simplify the design of your visualization. Instead of using complex charts or graphs, consider using simpler visual elements such as bar charts or line graphs. These types of visualizations are easier to read and understand, allowing the viewer to focus on the data itself.

Use Whitespace

Another strategy to reduce clutter is to use whitespace effectively. Whitespace refers to the empty space around your visual elements. By strategically placing whitespace, you can create a sense of balance and organization in your visualization. This not only makes it visually appealing but also helps the viewer to navigate and interpret the data more easily.

When it comes to drawing attention to relevant data, color can be a powerful tool. Use color strategically to highlight the most important data points or trends. For example, you can use a bold and contrasting color for the key data points, while using a more muted color for the less important ones. This creates a visual hierarchy that guides the viewer’s attention and makes it easier to understand the main insights.

Size Matters

Size is another attribute that can be used to draw attention to relevant data. By increasing the size of certain data points or elements, you can make them stand out from the rest of the visualization. This can be particularly effective when you want to emphasize a specific trend or outlier in the data.

Positioning for Attention

Positioning is yet another way to draw attention to relevant data. By strategically placing important data points or elements in prominent areas of the visualization, such as the center or top of the chart, you can ensure that they catch the viewer’s eye. This can be especially useful when you have multiple data points or trends that you want to highlight simultaneously.

In conclusion, when creating a data visualization, it is crucial to eliminate clutter and draw attention to the most relevant data. By simplifying the design, using whitespace effectively, and strategically employing color, size, and positioning, you can ensure that your visualization is clear, focused, and impactful.

3) Make Effective Design Choices

The design choices you make when creating a data visualization can greatly impact its effectiveness. Consider factors such as color, font size, and layout to create a visually appealing and easy-to-understand visualization.

Color

When it comes to color, it is important to choose a palette that not only looks visually appealing but also allows for easy differentiation between different data categories or groups. For example, if you are creating a bar chart to represent sales data for different products, using a color palette with distinct colors for each product category can help viewers quickly identify and compare the data.

Font Size

Font size and style also play a crucial role in the readability of your visualization. Even if you have chosen a beautiful color palette, if the font size is too small or the style is difficult to read, the effectiveness of your visualization may be compromised. It is recommended to use a legible font size and style that is easily readable, even when the visualization is presented in a smaller format.

Layout & Arrangement

In addition to color and font choices, the layout of your visualization is equally important. A well-designed layout is intuitive and guides the viewer’s eye through the visualization in a logical manner. Consider the flow of information and the hierarchy of elements within your visualization. For instance, if you are creating a line chart to show the growth of different industries over time, arranging the industries in a logical order and using clear labels can help viewers understand the progression easily.

By making effective design choices, you can enhance the visual impact of your data visualization and improve its overall effectiveness. Remember to consider factors such as color, font size, and layout to create a visually appealing and easy-to-understand visualization that effectively communicates your data.

4) Label Chart Modules Appropriately

Properly labeling the various elements of your data visualization is essential for ensuring clarity and understanding. Each chart module or component should be clearly labeled with informative and concise labels.

For example, if you have a bar chart displaying sales data for different months, label each bar with the corresponding month and the corresponding value. By providing clear and informative labels, you can help the viewer understand the data and draw meaningful insights from the visualization.

Understandable Axis Labels

When labeling chart modules, it is important to consider the target audience and their level of familiarity with the subject matter.

If your data visualization is intended for a general audience, it may be helpful to provide additional context or explanations in the labels. This can help viewers who are not familiar with the data or the chart type to better understand the information being presented.

Furthermore, the placement of labels within the chart modules can also impact the overall clarity of the visualization. Labels should be positioned in a way that minimizes confusion and maximizes readability. For example, in a line chart showing the growth of different products over time, it may be more effective to place the labels directly above or below the data points instead of within the lines themselves.

Clear Titles

In addition to labeling individual chart modules, it is also important to provide a clear and concise title for the entire visualization. The title should accurately describe the main purpose or message of the visualization, allowing viewers to quickly grasp the overall theme or topic.

Coloring

Another aspect to consider when labeling chart modules is the use of color. Color can be a powerful tool for highlighting important information or patterns within the data. However, it is important to ensure that the color choices do not hinder accessibility or confuse the viewer. Labels should be easily readable against the background color of the chart module, and color-blind friendly palettes should be used whenever possible.

Lastly, when labeling chart modules, it can be helpful to provide additional information in tooltips or captions. Tooltips are small pop-up boxes that appear when the viewer hovers over a specific element of the chart, providing more detailed information. Captions, on the other hand, are brief explanations or descriptions that accompany the chart and provide context for the data being presented.

5) Choose Appropriate Data Scaling

The choice of data scaling in your visualization can greatly impact how the data is perceived and understood. Consider the range and distribution of your data when choosing the appropriate scaling.

For example, if you have a dataset with a wide range of values, such as sales data ranging from thousands to millions, it might be more appropriate to use a logarithmic scale to avoid distortion and accurately represent the data. By choosing the right data scaling, you can ensure that your visualization accurately represents the data and facilitates a more accurate interpretation.

Bonus: For Embedded Analytics, White Labeling Matters

Most of this advice applies to internal business analytics or external / SaaS embedded analytics, but the importance white labeling is critical for creating effective data visualization in embedded analytics scenarios.

One thing we’ve learned through the years is that not everyone has the skillset to create stunning data visualizations and dashboards. This means as product leaders, you have to guide your customers to analytics success. The best way to ensure it looks and feels like your SaaS application since that is what they’re used to.

At Qrvey, we offer highly granular style controls and personalization features to help create embedded analytics experiences for the most advanced users down to the most basic users. Whether you need to offer templates as starting points or custom dataset builders, our solution can enable you to offer something to everyone while making your engineering team happy by shipping more and building less.

Watch a demo here to learn more about what you can expect to deliver.