A lot is written about big data and the insight that it can generate. However, a lot of the time there is a case of ‘big data for big datas sake’, with companies over complicating their data needs because they feel they should be as advanced as possible. Sometimes, less is more. Stripping your data back into what is truly required is a much harder skill than adding in multiple data sources, and involves the need for real insight. Whichever way you go with your data complexity, the key to dissemination and deep insight is in the visualisation.
A key skill for a data analyst or a data agency is to be able to make their data easy to interpret, no matter who it is presented to. An important thing to remember is that it is not only those in the company that you present the data to that will see it, it will be passed along the chain so any data included must be solid and clear, with no margin for mis-interpretation.
To this end creating data visualisations, particularly interactive versions, helps end users understand the data in an easy way.
A data visualisation can explain thousands of rows of data in a way that can be understood almost instantly, especially in terms of trends and general insight. As the saying goes, “a picture says a thousand words” and this is certainly the case when presenting data.
Bear in mind that your superiors and/or your clients are most likely not going to be data analysts, and that their time is likely to be limited, meaning that they just want to see the crucial recommendations and what they’re based on as quickly as possible.
Using the data in this way to back up your argument is a great idea. Tools to help you create data in this way include:
- d3js.org
- Tableau
- Flot
Charts like the below (fictional data), show the ease with which these visualisations can be created and shared:
Excel is the most underrated, but one of the best data visualisation tools. There are some amazing things that can be done with the tool that are often forgotten about as it is continually used to just make tables.
Remember, whatever you do with your data to ensure that you keep things simple to get your point across. There is nothing worse than hours of data being wasted in poor presentation and a glut of tables. Insight is key, and visualisation can be the best way to get your point across in the fastest time.
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