The graphical representation of data offers clearer messages where the conclusions are easy to understand. We study types of graphics, tools and some specific cases on the Web.
Summary:
- The graphical representation of data offers clearer messages where the conclusions are easy to understand.
- Types of graphics (differences, uses).
- Using excel you can get decent graphics. Some examples that can help us present the data more clearly.
- Illustrator is a better tool for creating graphics. .
- A look at some tools that generate graphs from online databases.
1. The graphical representation of data offers clearer messages where the conclusions are easy to understand.
That a picture is worth a thousand words is still true. In the internet age, several steps have been taken in the accessibility of information, but several steps have been taken back in the ease of finding things, understanding the context and drawing conclusions.
The representation of data in a graphical way helps to present data in a simple way where the conclusions are easy to understand. Weather maps, the evolution of the stock market, the volume of television are examples of data represented with graphs that we can hardly imagine in another format.
Much data collected through the Internet must be processed and represented by graphics to be of any help. Product comparisons, site evaluation, traffic evolution, search engines, favorites, use of e-mail.
The main problem with data representation is its objectivity and comprehension. The information process requires making decisions about which axes will be taken into account, period to show, compare or not, etc… These decisions can mean that the representation offered is not what the audience expects. On the other hand, for the graph to be easily understandable, it will require some “trial and error” until the perfect model is found.
Having the processing capacity together with a “trial and error” time will make the information easier to understand and therefore decision-making will be done with greater security and faster. It may sound a bit complicated and expensive, but data representation can be done from a “zero” budget using tools like Excel or Illustrator.
2. Types of graphics (differences, uses).
It is important to master the presentation to show an easy to understand message. Not offering a clear conclusion makes the graphics lose their force in our communication.
3. Using excel you can get decent graphics (but you have to modify what comes out by default).
A chart presented in excel usually looks something like this. The use of 3d.
3d can make the graphics look cooler, but it makes the information hard to read and difficult to extract the differences. 3d graphics have very limited uses (only in the example of surfaces are recommended). Better to use 2d graphics. The message will be clearer and easier to understand. The background, the “grid” and other lines.
For the graphics to shine, it is best to have a background and a grid of soft color (white or gray). It is best to eliminate the lines that outline the graph to avoid adding superfluous elements to the graph.
A trick to simplify the background is to put the white grid on top of the graphic in such a way that it is only visible when you touch it leaving the rest of the background white.
Colors.
Regarding the colors to use in the graph, it is best to experiment a bit until you find the necessary contrast. In some cases different colors are suitable, the same color but with different values can also help. Avoiding too much contrast or judder (red and green, red and blue…) will make the graph easy to read. . Thickness.
has a rule about the relationship between the amount of ink used and the information displayed. This rule refers to the fact that in many cases, a lot of ink is used to show little information, making the bars thick, using gradients, solid colors in the background, etc… The use of ink per displayed data should be minimized, using thinner bars, background elements removed, etc… The goal achieved is to optimize the presentation for a clearer and easier reading. Help the reader.
Now that our graph is clean, we can add more information to make understanding the values or meaning easier.
3. Illustrator is a better tool for creating graphics.
If the graphics you are going to generate are going to be presented to a large audience and/or the production is going to be massive, Adobe Illustrator is a better tool.
As of version 9 the production of graphics in Illustrator has been greatly simplified with the help of a menu dedicated to this task. Illustrator allows you to modify each parameter of the graphic with total control and allows a better export of the graphic to different formats, be it web, print or power point.
Visit Adobe.com for more information on .
4. A look at some tools that generate graphs from online databases.
Graphics only. Quite powerful, interactive and with records of up to 30 years in the DJIA.
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A finer design and somewhat smarter tools.
Yahoo! Finance is one of the preferred sites. Powerful graphics, with multiple options and history.
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