What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (2024)

Last updated on Mar 23, 2024

  1. All
  2. Engineering
  3. Data Engineering

Powered by AI and the LinkedIn community

1

Know your audience

2

Choose the right format

3

Tell a story

4

Test and iterate

5

Here’s what else to consider

Data visualization is a powerful tool for data engineers to convey complex and meaningful insights to various audiences. However, sometimes your data visualization techniques may fail to achieve your intended goals, such as informing, persuading, or engaging your viewers. What do you do in such situations? In this article, we will explore some common reasons why data visualization techniques fail and some strategies to improve them.

Top experts in this article

Selected by the community from 29 contributions. Learn more

What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (1)

Earn a Community Top Voice badge

Add to collaborative articles to get recognized for your expertise on your profile. Learn more

  • Mudit Dholakia Associate Director at UBS | IIMA | Driving Business Growth with BI Platforms

    What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (3) 2

  • Bàlasai Reddy Yanamala Immediate Joiner | Looking for Data Engineer Roles Starting Dec 2023 | MS In DS @ The University of Texas At Arlington…

    What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (5) 3

  • Desmond Bala Bisandu UK Global Talent|Data Scientist|AI|Machine Learning|Researcher|Computer Scientist

    What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (7) What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (8) 3

What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (9) What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (10) What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (11)

1 Know your audience

One of the main reasons why data visualization techniques fail is that they do not match the needs, expectations, and preferences of your audience. For example, if you are presenting to a technical audience, you may want to use more detailed and precise charts, such as scatter plots, histograms, or box plots. However, if you are presenting to a non-technical audience, you may want to use simpler and more intuitive charts, such as bar charts, pie charts, or maps. To avoid this mismatch, you need to know your audience well and tailor your data visualization techniques accordingly. You can also use feedback mechanisms, such as surveys, polls, or interviews, to understand how your audience perceives and interprets your data visualizations.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

    • Report contribution

    In my opinion, it is basically reviewing and refining. Some methods can help if this happens, such as:Review your data visualization and identify specific areas where it falls short. Is the message unclear? Are the visuals too complex? Is the audience not involved in the viewing?; Consider feedback from stakeholders or users who interacted with the visualization; Consider the characteristics and preferences of your audience; Simplify complex visuals by removing unnecessary elements and focusing on the most critical information; Assess whether the type of visualization you choose is best suited to the data and message you are trying to convey and Verify the quality and accuracy of the underlying data.

    Like

    What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (20) What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (21) 6

    Unhelpful
  • Bàlasai Reddy Yanamala Immediate Joiner | Looking for Data Engineer Roles Starting Dec 2023 | MS In DS @ The University of Texas At Arlington | Big Data | SQL | Python | Spark | Hadoop
    • Report contribution

    If data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights, consider refining the visualization by adjusting the design, simplifying the presentation, or exploring alternative visualization methods. Additionally, seek feedback from stakeholders to understand their needs and perspectives, and iterate based on their input.

    Like

    What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (30) 3

    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

2 Choose the right format

Another reason why data visualization techniques fail is that they do not use the right format for the data and the message. For example, if you are trying to show trends or changes over time, you may want to use a line chart or a stacked area chart. However, if you are trying to show proportions or percentages, you may want to use a pie chart or a donut chart. To choose the right format, you need to consider the type, size, and distribution of your data and the main point or question you want to answer with your data visualization. You can also use data visualization best practices, such as avoiding 3D effects, using consistent colors and scales, and minimizing clutter and noise.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Rugwed Pimple Data Engineer @iConsult Collaborative | Actively Seeking Full-Time Roles starting May 2024
    • Report contribution

    Choosing the right format is vital for effective data visualization. The choice hinges on the data type, size, and its distribution, along with the primary message or question being addressed. For trends or changes over time, line charts or stacked area charts are apt. Proportions or percentages are best shown through pie or donut charts. Adhering to best practices, like avoiding 3D effects, employing consistent colors and scales, and minimizing clutter, enhances clarity and comprehension. The key is to match the visualization format with the data's nature and the insights you aim to convey, ensuring your audience can easily understand and engage with the information presented.

    Like

    What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (39) What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (40) 2

    Unhelpful
  • Gourav Gupta Azure Data Engineer | ADF | ADB | ADLS | SQL | Synapse | PySpark | Python
    • Report contribution

    If data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights, it's essential to select the appropriate format that resonates with the audience. This involves considering factors such as the type of data, audience preferences, and the message being conveyed. Choosing the right format could entail switching between charts, graphs, or maps, or even utilizing interactive visualizations to engage the audience more effectively. By tailoring the format to suit the specific needs and preferences of the audience, insights can be communicated more clearly and comprehensively.

    Like
    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

3 Tell a story

A third reason why data visualization techniques fail is that they do not tell a compelling and coherent story with your data. For example, if you are presenting a dashboard or a report, you may want to use a narrative structure, such as a beginning, a middle, and an end, to guide your viewers through your data visualization. You may also want to use annotations, captions, or headlines to highlight the key findings, insights, or recommendations from your data visualization. To tell a story, you need to have a clear purpose and a logical flow for your data visualization. You can also use storytelling techniques, such as using emotions, contrasts, or surprises, to engage and persuade your viewers.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Mudit Dholakia Associate Director at UBS | IIMA | Driving Business Growth with BI Platforms
    • Report contribution

    Frame your data within a narrative that guides your audience through the insights. A story can provide context and make the data more relatable and memorable.

    Like

    What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (57) 1

    Unhelpful
  • Gourav Gupta Azure Data Engineer | ADF | ADB | ADLS | SQL | Synapse | PySpark | Python
    • Report contribution

    When data visualization techniques struggle to convey insights, consider telling a story with the data. Frame the information in a narrative structure that guides the audience through a journey of discovery. Start with an engaging introduction that sets the context and establishes the problem or question at hand. Then, present the data in a logical sequence, using visualizations to support each plot point. Along the way, provide insights, explanations, and interpretations to help the audience understand the significance of the data. Finally, conclude with a compelling resolution or call to action based on the insights gained.

    Like
    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

4 Test and iterate

A final reason why data visualization techniques fail is that they do not test and iterate on their design and performance. For example, if you are creating a data visualization for a website or an app, you may want to use analytics tools, such as Google Analytics or Mixpanel, to measure how your viewers interact with your data visualization. You may also want to use A/B testing or multivariate testing to compare different versions of your data visualization and see which one performs better. To test and iterate, you need to have a data-driven mindset and a willingness to experiment and learn from your data visualization. You can also use user testing or peer review to get feedback and suggestions from your potential or actual viewers.

Data visualization is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires creativity, skill, and adaptability to create effective and impactful data visualizations. By following these strategies, you can improve your data visualization techniques and communicate your insights more effectively.

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Gourav Gupta Azure Data Engineer | ADF | ADB | ADLS | SQL | Synapse | PySpark | Python
    • Report contribution

    If data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights, it's crucial to test and iterate on the visualizations. This involves gathering feedback from the audience and analyzing where the communication breakdown occurred. By identifying areas of confusion or misunderstanding, adjustments can be made to improve clarity and relevance. Iterating on the visualizations allows for refinement and optimization, ensuring that they resonate with the audience and effectively convey the intended insights. Through a process of continuous testing and iteration, data visualization techniques can be honed to achieve better communication outcomes.

    Like

    What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (74) 1

    Unhelpful
    • Report contribution

    It’s always starting from defining the objectives of the visualization. Based on the goal we can check if the visualization deliver the idea that we want to communicate. Therefore there is many type of visualization and color schema and filling pattern that can help to deliver the story behind the visualization.If everything is correct then revising the data, change the analysis type and create different context and story can be the answer.

    Like
    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)

  • Mudit Dholakia Associate Director at UBS | IIMA | Driving Business Growth with BI Platforms
    • Report contribution

    Accessibility is crucial; ensure that your visualizations are understandable for people with color blindness or other visual impairments. Additionally, consider the cultural context of your audience, as this can influence how your visuals are interpreted.

    Like

    What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (91) 2

    Unhelpful
  • Desmond Bala Bisandu UK Global Talent|Data Scientist|AI|Machine Learning|Researcher|Computer Scientist
    • Report contribution

    If a data visualization fails to effectively communicate insights, it's crucial to reassess its design and purpose. Start by analyzing the data itself to ensure its accuracy and relevance to the intended message. Then, consider adjusting the visualization's format, such as changing the chart type or simplifying complex visuals. Engage with potential users or stakeholders to gather feedback on what information they find confusing or lacking. Iterate on the design based on this feedback, aiming for clarity and simplicity to enhance understanding and ensure the visualization effectively communicates the desired insights.

    Like

    What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (100) What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (101) 3

    Unhelpful
  • Prabal Singh Solutions Architect @ Optum | Scalable Cloud Solutions, AI/ML Integration | Technical Leadership
    • Report contribution

    Consider these additional points:- Reevaluate your data for relevance and accuracy. - Simplify complex visualisations. Try different visualisation techniques if yours isn’t working. - Use interactive elements for user engagement. - Get feedback from others and educate your audience about the visualisation techniques used. - Consistent and appropriate use of colour, provide context through tool-tips, avoid chart-junk, ensure data integrity.- Test, iterate and improve based on feedback.

    Like

    What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (110) 2

    Unhelpful

Load more contributions

Data Engineering What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (111)

Data Engineering

+ Follow

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?

It’s great It’s not so great

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.

Tell us more

Report this article

More articles on Data Engineering

No more previous content

  • What do you do if you're a data engineer facing a complex project that requires resilience and adaptability? 5 contributions
  • What do you do if your data pipelines need optimization and you're a creative data engineer? 21 contributions
  • What do you do if data governance challenges arise in the future for data engineers? 11 contributions
  • What do you do if you're a data engineer wasting time on unproductive activities? 4 contributions
  • What do you do if non-technical stakeholders struggle to understand your complex data engineering concepts? 1 contribution
  • What do you do if your finances as a self-employed data engineer are spiraling out of control? 6 contributions
  • What do you do if you need to showcase your problem-solving skills in a data engineering internship? 10 contributions

No more next content

See all

Explore Other Skills

  • Web Development
  • Programming
  • Agile Methodologies
  • Machine Learning
  • Software Development
  • Computer Science
  • Data Analytics
  • Data Science
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cloud Computing

More relevant reading

  • Business Innovation How can you enhance your needs analysis report with data visualization?
  • Data Analysis What are the best ways to use data visualization to communicate?
  • Data Engineering You're working on a data visualization project. How can you ensure it's effective?
  • Research How can you choose the best data visualization technique for your project?

Help improve contributions

Mark contributions as unhelpful if you find them irrelevant or not valuable to the article. This feedback is private to you and won’t be shared publicly.

Contribution hidden for you

This feedback is never shared publicly, we’ll use it to show better contributions to everyone.

Are you sure you want to delete your contribution?

Are you sure you want to delete your reply?

What do you do if your data visualization techniques fail to effectively communicate insights? (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mr. See Jast

Last Updated:

Views: 5609

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mr. See Jast

Birthday: 1999-07-30

Address: 8409 Megan Mountain, New Mathew, MT 44997-8193

Phone: +5023589614038

Job: Chief Executive

Hobby: Leather crafting, Flag Football, Candle making, Flying, Poi, Gunsmithing, Swimming

Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.