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    "title" : "An introduction to data visualization |Digital.gov",
    "description": "An introduction to data visualization",
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    {"title" :"An introduction to data visualization","deck" : "Understand how to tell a story using data and design","summary" : "Use data visualization to communicate insights, tell a story, and share actionable information.","date" : "2025-01-03T00:00:00Z","date_modified" : "2025-01-27T19:42:55-05:00","authors" : {"katie-chan" : "Katie Chan"},"topics" : {
        
            "analytics" : "Analytics",
            "data-visualization" : "Data visualization",
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      "filename" :"an-introduction-to-data-visualization.md",
      
      "filepath" :"resources/an-introduction-to-data-visualization.md",
      "filepathURL" :"https://github.com/GSA/digitalgov.gov/blob/bc-archive-content-3/content/resources/an-introduction-to-data-visualization.md",
      "editpathURL" :"https://github.com/GSA/digitalgov.gov/edit/bc-archive-content-3/content/resources/an-introduction-to-data-visualization.md","url" : "/preview/gsa/digitalgov.gov/bc-archive-content-3/resources/an-introduction-to-data-visualization/","weight" : "1","content" :"\u003ch2 id=\"what-is-data-visualization\"\u003eWhat is data visualization?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/topics/data-visualization/\"\u003eData visualization\u003c/a\u003e is the visual and graphic representation of data through charts, graphs, maps, interactive dashboards, and other visual imagery. Data visualization can help \u003ca href=\"https://datascience.cancer.gov/training/learn-data-science/visualize-data-basics\"\u003esimplify large or complex datasets\u003c/a\u003e to encourage broader interest on an issue or topic. Common types of data visualization include pie charts, bar charts, maps, tables, and line charts. Dashboards or infographics may feature multiple data visualizations.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"why-is-data-visualization-important\"\u003eWhy is data visualization important?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eData visualization can facilitate shared understanding. Visualizing data supports the rapid interpretation of information; reveals patterns, trends, and relationships; and provides evidence-based insights to improve decision-making.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no firm or set rules for how to create or design data visualizations, but there are recommendations and best practices that can help ensure a visualization communicates effectively. \u003ca href=\"https://nces.ed.gov/forum/pub_2017016.asp\"\u003eEffective data visualizations\u003c/a\u003e are:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppropriate\u003c/strong\u003e for the intended audience\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAccurate\u003c/strong\u003e in the presentation of data and its meaning\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActionable\u003c/strong\u003e, because the information is clarifying or useful\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"how-can-i-create-data-visualizations\"\u003eHow can I create data visualizations?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you create a data visualization, your goal should be to transform data into actionable information. This process can take many forms, but making a visualization typically involves the following seven steps.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-1-establish-and-understand-the-research-question\"\u003eStep 1. Establish and understand the research question\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA clear, focused research question will guide the scope of your analysis. You may need to break down your research question into multiple components, which may be more clear to address in more than one visualization.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\n\n\u003carticle\n  class=\"dg-note \"\n\u003e\n  \u003ch4 class=\"dg-note__heading\"\u003e\n    \u003csvg\n      class=\"dg-note__icon usa-icon dg-icon dg-icon--large\"\n      aria-hidden=\"true\"\n      focusable=\"false\"\n    \u003e\n      \u003cuse xlink:href=\"/preview/gsa/digitalgov.gov/bc-archive-content-3/uswds/img/sprite.svg#notifications\"\u003e\u003c/use\u003e\n    \u003c/svg\u003e\n    \n      Note\n    \n  \u003c/h4\u003e\n  The 18F User Experience Guide provides \u003ca href=\"https://guides.18f.gov/ux-guide/research/plan/#research-questions\"\u003eexamples of research questions\u003c/a\u003e. While centered on user research, you can use the definition and principles to guide your own brainstorming.\n\u003c/article\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-2-identify-data-sources\"\u003eStep 2. Identify data sources\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDetermine if you can get data that will address your question. You may need to use multiple data sources to validate and cross-check, to get a holistic view of the subject.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-3-clean-and-explore-your-data\"\u003eStep 3. Clean and explore your data\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVerify your data is complete, consistent, and standardized. To ensure consistency, establish clear data strategies and governance, use standardized procedures and data dictionaries, and invest in data quality tools. This will allow you to carry out a comprehensive analysis.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-4-analyze-the-data-and-choose-a-visual\"\u003eStep 4. Analyze the data and choose a visual\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chart type you use should support your research goal and fit the type of data you are showing. For example, pie charts are useful to emphasize proportions between a few categories that are parts of a whole. \u003ca href=\"https://designsystem.digital.gov/components/data-visualizations/#bar-charts-2\"\u003eBar charts\u003c/a\u003e, meanwhile, are ideal for displaying data in categories and effective at showing comparisons across multiple categories.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-5-check-your-visualization-for-bias\"\u003eStep 5. Check your visualization for bias\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdentify any limitations in the way the data was collected. Approaching visualization with \u003ca href=\"https://www.nnlm.gov/training/class/do-no-harm-data-viz\"\u003ea lens of empathy and equity\u003c/a\u003e can ensure visualizations are more well-justified, accurate, and impactful.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-6-ensure-that-your-data-is-accessible\"\u003eStep 6. Ensure that your data is accessible\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarefully consider the \u003ca href=\"https://www.nnlm.gov/training/class/do-no-harm-data-viz\"\u003elanguage, icons, colors, and category order\u003c/a\u003e you use. Design your visualization with a focus on \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/resources/an-introduction-to-accessibility/\"\u003eaccessibility\u003c/a\u003e from the start to ensure everyone can understand and navigate your data.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"step-7-identify-and-customize-your-message-or-story-based-on-your-audience--and-get-feedback\"\u003eStep 7. Identify and customize your message or story based on your audience — and get feedback\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelp your audience understand your intent by including enough metadata (such as title, caption, and labels) for them to follow the information in your visualization. Use \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/resources/an-introduction-to-plain-language/\"\u003eplain language\u003c/a\u003e for clarity. You can also test your visualization: ask someone from your intended audience (preferably) or a colleague (if needed, or with early drafts) to review your visualization. Gathering feedback can help you understand if people will be able to grasp the story you are trying to tell.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-can-i-do-next\"\u003eWhat can I do next?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore resources on \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/topics/data-visualization/\"\u003edata visualization\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/topics/design/\"\u003edesign\u003c/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/topics/analytics/\"\u003eanalytics\u003c/a\u003e on Digital.gov.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can join the Digital.gov \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/communities/web-analytics-and-optimization/\"\u003eWeb Analytics and Optimization Community of Practice\u003c/a\u003e to connect with government professionals and learn best practices, tips, and tools for web analytics, search, and search engine optimization.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can also join the Digital.gov \u003ca href=\"https://digital.gov/communities/user-experience/\"\u003eUser Experience Community of Practice\u003c/a\u003e to connect with practitioners interested in producing efficient, effective, and useful user experiences and technologies.\u003c/p\u003e\n"}
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