Visualization techniques
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Sparklines are very small line charts without axes that show the general shape of variation in a measurement over time. They display current and historical data in a small space to provide context. Small multiples are repeated presentations of different data with the same design that allow understanding to transfer between them. While pie charts are popular, they are a poor presentation method because it is difficult to judge sizes and relate segments without labels. Layout is the process of arranging material on a page and should follow the function and needs of the user.
Visualization techniques
- 1. Sparklines and Small Multiples Sparkline is very small line chart ,typically drawn without axes or coordinates. It represents the general shape of variation In some measurement. Sparkline introduced in Tufte (2006) “data-intense, design-simple, word-size graphics” no scales! x-axis usually time display current key value with history context e.g.: temperature, blood glucose level, manufacturing defects, . . .
- 2. Sparkline and Small Multiples: Multiples: repeated presentations of different data with the same design. Repetition adds an extra (categorical) dimension Understanding transfers from first to rest
- 3. Pie charts: controversial o Highly popular and attractive o But poor presentation method hard to judge area/angle hard to relate segment size . . . need extra labels o 3D effects even worse: “wasted” use of dimension distorts sizes risks distorting text
- 4. Layout technique: The process of setting out material on the page. Process: Ask: what is the user doing? Think: what information, comparisons, orders Design: form follows function
- 5. Layout techniques: Tools: grouping and spacing item order decoration fonts and boxes white space alignment