What is data visualization (information visualization)? Explaining points and importance

When creating presentation materials, websites, catalogs, leaflets, and other promotional materials, keeping data visualization in mind will make them more persuasive.

This time, we will introduce the importance of data visualization and the key points for creating materials that are easier to read and more persuasive.

What is data visualization?

Data visualization is the process of visualizing a list of data such as numbers and characters using graphs, conceptual diagrams, and other diagrams to make it easier to understand visually.

How would you feel if you were shown a table like this? Many people may think, “I know the sales amount, but it’s hard to see.” For example, if you try to compare sales trends for each product, it may be difficult to get an idea from a list of numbers like this.

Therefore, I tried to create a data visualization of the sales list mentioned earlier using graphs. I think this makes it easier to understand the sales trends for each product.

For example, you will be able to analyze things like, “Product A sells consistently every month, although the sales amount is small,” or “Product D sold well in the first half of this year, but sales plummeted in the second half.”

Benefits of data visualization

By adopting a data visualization mindset, you can enjoy the following benefits:

1. Materials become easier to view

This is the biggest benefit, and one that many people are likely to experience. Using graphs and charts allows you to read data intuitively. As in the example above, it is much easier to see when expressed as a graph rather than looking at a list of numbers.

You can read the numbers and trends, making it easier to analyze such as comparisons and future predictions.

1. Increases persuasive power
2. Making your data more visually appealing makes it more persuasive. Rather than simply saying “sales increased by 10,000 yen” or “sales doubled” in text or numbers, a graph with an upward trend has more impact on each level.

For example, by using materials that utilize data visualization, you may be able to gain understanding from your superiors and pass internal approval. Improving your promotional materials to make them more visually appealing can increase customers’ purchase intent. That’s the power of data visualization.

1. Fewer errors in reading data

A list of numbers or sentences can be misread. Various mistakes and misunderstandings can occur, such as misreading a digit, reading a value in an adjacent column, or misunderstanding a sentence. By visualizing numbers and letters, you can avoid these mistakes.

1. Analysis becomes more accurate

As explained above, data visualization allows numerical values ​​to be read visually, allowing analysis such as “reading trends from trends,” “comparing with other data,” and “predicting the future from past trends.” You can do it. It also prevents mistakes such as misunderstandings and misreading, which improves the accuracy of analysis, which leads to a more accurate understanding of the current situation and the creation of effective strategies.

Key points to increase persuasive power with data visualization

Even if you incorporate the idea of ​​data visualization into your materials, if you are not using it effectively, it may become difficult to convey your intentions. Therefore, I would like to share with you some points that can improve your persuasiveness.

1. Change the method of expression depending on the purpose

Think about how to express your message depending on what you want to convey.

For example, a bar graph is suitable for comparing single months, but it is not so suitable for looking at sales trends over a year.

Line graphs make it easier to read numerical changes and trends.

In this way, let’s change the way we express ourselves depending on what we want to say.

1. make it simple

Try to keep your diagrams as simple as possible.

For example, if you want to express the sales of product A, there is no need to include extra information such as products B and C. It gives a cluttered impression and is difficult to see.

Product A is sufficient for the data series in the graph. It is easier to see visually and has a greater impact.

1. Make it easier for others to see

The most important thing when creating materials is whether they are easy for the other party to read. Consider the use of colors and font size.

For example, if you group polygon lines with the same color, it becomes difficult to tell which line belongs to which data. Since we are going to incorporate the idea of ​​data visualization, let’s also pay attention to the appearance.

When it comes to color usage, there are techniques such as using colors that stand out for things you want to emphasize.

First, put yourself in the other person’s shoes and find out if the chart is easy to see objectively. Is it hard to see? Please review it. Then, try to come up with a way to clearly convey your intentions.

summary

◆Data visualization (information visualization) is the visual representation of data such as letters and numbers using graphs, conceptual diagrams, etc.

◆It has benefits such as increased persuasiveness, reduced mistakes, and improved accuracy of analysis.

◆ Data visualization may increase the possibility of passing approval and increasing sales.

◆By devising ways to express things and making them simple and easy to read, you will be able to express yourself more effectively.