Data Visualization is no longer a word or term that we rarely hear. Understanding of Data Visualization is often associated with how we present existing data, either numeric or numbers, into attractive graphics and images. There are various types and how to apply them, let’s discuss them further in this article.
Getting to Know Data Visualization
Data visualization or Data Visualization is one of the modern visual communications that can be a solution to present data to make it easier to understand. Where the language aspect can be described by a graphical display of a particular collection of information or data. In other words, the data presented is in the form of a graphic image that is easy to understand.
In short, the use of data visualization converts data sets into simpler things to present. With the aim of communicating information more efficiently using information graphics. So that it is easier for readers to understand patterns, outliers, and trends from data.
According to Wyzowl, as many as 8 out of 10 people (or 80%) find it easier to understand something visually. In the business world, of course, the use of data visualization will greatly help the development of the business being run. Because the decision-making of a company is based on the data obtained. In order to make the data easier to understand and make the right decisions faster, data visualization is needed.
The Urgency of Data Visualization
The reason for visualizing data is urgent or urgent because the data that is displayed visually allows understanding the data to be faster. Previously, flashing back to the old way by looking for core data from long sentences was certainly not an easy thing. However, presentation in the form of charts and graphs can shorten the search time and understanding of the data.
From the research results, it is also known that humans are able to remember 80% of what they see and only remember 20% of what they read. The human brain is easier to remember pictures faster than the arrangement of words. Therefore, visual data makes it easier to digest important data and information.
Data visualization summarizes important information in a simpler view. Data about the company’s work based on certain variables becomes easier to read. This certainly facilitates communication between stakeholders as decision-makers.
On the other hand, presenting raw data in written form is quite difficult to understand. Moreover, there are long sentences that are quite time-consuming to read and understand their meaning. Therefore, the urgency of using data visualization is to facilitate efforts to understand the data owned by the company so that new policymaking is easier and on target.
In more detail, the following are the conveniences obtained from visualizing data:
- Makes it easier to understand trends and stories from data.
- Shorten data understanding time.
- Facilitate data analysis.
- Makes it easier to communicate data more effectively.
Supporting business development, according to the times that have now entered the digital era at a rapid pace of development.
Types of Data Visualization
The needs of each company in the delivery of data can be different. Therefore the required visualization will be different. In this case, there are several types of data visualization based on the objectives and variables needed, including:
- Temporal Type Visualization
The first type of visualization of data is the temporal type. This type is the type most often used in a company or business person. This type is relied on to present one-dimensional or linear data series and is among the easiest to learn.
Temporal data visualization has the characteristics of a line that starts and ends at a point. The line can be a single line or a line that is tangent to several other lines. This type of visualization can be found in timelines, time series, scatter plot diagrams, or line charts.
- Hierarchical Type Visualization
The next type is the hierarchical type. This type is usually used for the purpose of showing the existence of a relationship or relationship between one thing and another that is more dominant.
The use of this type of data visualization is suitable for displaying new data originating from a cause. For example, in a tree diagram.
- Network Type Visualization
In a company, data sets or data sets can influence each other or have a relationship. Therefore, visualization of network-type data serves to facilitate the relationship that exists between each data set.
The use of this type of data visualization is quite common in a company. For example, the form of a network that is often used is the node-link diagram or word cloud.
- Multidimensional Type Visualization
This type is the primary option for visualizing data consisting of multiple dimensions or variables. Because it consists of many data sets, this data will look more striking and attractive in the form of visualization.
Although quite complex, of course, it is still easier to understand than text data. Examples of this type of data visualization are stacked bars, pie charts, and histograms.
Creating histograms to display visual data based on area and size. The use of histogram visualization, data is made accurately using mathematical formulas so that it can display different index values that correspond to each other with different indicators clearly. This visualization makes it easier for stakeholders to see and at the same time compare data with just one glance.
- Geospatial Type Visualization
This last type of data visualization is arguably the most advanced visualization. Geospatial is able to represent the original form of an object or space with data that needs to be displayed.
In the business world, this type of geospatial visualization is used to display sales penetration in an area. So that it can show a map of business growth to flow at a point. Examples of using this type of data visualization are cartography and heat maps.
Creating a heat map using data visualization based on color can be used to compare the size of the index values. With this type of visualization, you can see which data stands out in no time.
The many types of visualization of data that can be used may be quite confusing in the selection. However, it shouldn’t be if you understand what the company needs. Because, as is known, each type of visualization of the data above has different characteristics and uses.
Whichever type is selected it should contain the data accurately. Types of patterns are easy to capture with graphic elements that are also clear. To be able to realize a good data visualization you need a device that supports it.
How to Apply Data Visualization?
To convert text data into an attractive graphic visual form is not difficult. Today there are many software or software that can be used to start visualizing company data. However, considering how important and confidential company data is, the selected software must have the following features:
- Able to Track Trends Accurately
The data visualization software used must have the ability to track trends accurately. So you can monitor the latest conditions regarding the development of your business which can then help make the best decisions.
- High-Security Guarantee
Processed data is obtained from collection, arrangement, and classification for later analysis accurately. Therefore the integrity of information and data protection is so important. Confidential company data needs to be protected with an adequate security system. So that the risk of data loss can be reduced.
- Gives the Look It Needs
The device used should be able to provide the data display as needed. This is so that the use of data visualization is able to provide an effective classification with a data structure that supports ease of use. One of the newest views recommended for companies and businesses is Geospatial.
- User Friendly
In selecting data visualization software the knowledge and expertise of the operator in operation is also important. Therefore, the ease of use of interactive screens should be taken into consideration.