Data Visualization Best Practices
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.
2. Summary of Common Mistakes.
2.1 Linguistic Clarity and Aesthetics:
2.2 Accuracy, Precision, User Support and User Control:
2.3 Consistency, Predictability, Flexibility and Accommodation:
2.4 Human Limitations:
3. Actions to Improve Visualizations.
3.1 Visualization Best Practices.
3.2 Formatting the Visualization.
3.3 Additional Best Practices.
3.4 Before Delivering Visualizations
4. Selecting a Chart.
1. Introduction
This document is intended to provide a quick guide on the process of developing new visualizations by the Intel Center team. It is a summary of the UX review provided for Provider Profiler with focus on creating visualizations and dashboards using the best user experience guidelines.
2. Summary of Common Mistakes
After a careful analysis of Provider Profiler visualizations was performed, some patterns of common mistakes were identified while developing data visualizations. Below is a list of the most common mistakes that must be evaluated and avoided.
2.1 Linguistic Clarity and Aesthetics:
· Confusing color-coding
· Variety of fonts
· Inconsistent Capitalization
· Abbreviations
· Truncated data and labels
2.2 Accuracy, Precision, User Support and User Control:
· Error messages without adequate recovery instruction
· Lack of Help with reports and data sources
· Interactions that require the user to take extra steps
2.3 Consistency, Predictability, Flexibility and Accommodation:
· Menu navigation icons used inconsistently
· Icons whose action is unexpected
· Cursor appearance that does not match clickability
2.4 Human Limitations:
· Multiple scrollbars
· Results that overlay important data
· Small clickable areas
3. Actions to Improve Visualizations
In this section, actions points are highlighted that might be a guide to support the development of visualizations that provide a better visual experience to end users.
3.1 Visualization Best Practices
· Plan a story that should be developed on the visualization. Every Dashboard and Storytelling might answer specific business questions. Do not insert all possible data only because it is available. Less is more!
· Keep the visualization clean and simple. Avoid using scrollbars. Fit everything clearly on the same screen (when applicable).
· Bear in mind the default screen where the visualization will be used (iPad, Phone, Big Screen, Laptop).
· When possible, limit the number of values (instances or categories) in visualizations that will make it hard to identify and understand categories. Consider creating Groups, sets and Bins.
· Avoid using the same color for distinct references.
· Make use of the best set of colors thinking about screen resolution, contrast, color-blind individuals and any other factor that can affect the user experience.
· When using colors, ensure that we are detailing its specification or by using legends to keep it clear to the end user.
· Title we shall use! – Master Yoda. Prioritize the title usage being specific on it.
· Use the adequate chart type to display data. Each chart has its best usage. Make sure to master this subject. Your ideas and creativity transform data into information within the best user experience.
· Provide enough space for each visualization and its corresponding data. When possible, make sure that dimensions and measures are fully displayed in the visualization (not being cropped) by giving consistent padding on all columns.
· Format the axis to improve the display of the displayed measure by editing labels when necessary.
3.2 Formatting the Visualization
· Create high standard Tab/Dashboard names to make it clear on where to go for a specific visualization. Try to avoid using repeated names.
· Provide a standard style for headings.
· Follow the same style along your workbook. Consistence is a key factor. Follow the color pattern, title and nomenclature, monetary and/or numerical format, etc.
· Use the proper monetary values (i.e. US$) or Unit Measure (i.e. K - thousand, M - Million or B - Billion).
· Make good use of Alignment and be consistent.
· Using the proximity reference. Make sure that some filter, parameter, text, or any other sort of control is related to the specific visualization / analysis according to the proximity.
· When possible, include the “Apply” button on filters.
3.3 Additional Best Practices
· Provide full explanation of filters, actions and any other “hidden” features on the Dashboard.
· Add a sub header to each table header to indicate exactly what is being shown in the table.
· Avoid acronyms or create an acronyms dictionary when using them.
· When using help text, ensure the relevant text is close to the associated data.
· When using menus to navigate through dashboards, the menu label and page title should match.
· Consider providing some assistance for users in specific interpretation of chart types and visualizations.
· When applicable, create a way to track the path back to the previous dashboard (normally by using a back button).
· When possible, create a message to be returned when there is no data for that filter or action.
3.4 Before Delivering Visualizations
· Test all possible actions on all dashboards.
· Verify the result of Calculations for multiple instances.
· Execute a performance monitor to check if there is room for performance improvement on the Workbook.
· If necessary, provide an information icon and help to facilitate user to understand the purpose and the content of the visualization.
· Revisit every text to check for inconsistence, redundancy, spelling mistakes.
· Create a description of reports/screens available and how they can be used.
4. Selecting a Chart
If you’re not sure what chart type is best for your situation, consult the tableau below.
