Better Data Visualizations: A Guide for Scholars, Researchers, and Wonks

Visuals are essential for content to travel far, but many researchers need help presenting their work visually. This book provides strategies to create more effective data visualizations, such as creating better graphs and moving beyond simple line, bar, and pie charts. It also surveys eighty visualization types and explains how each has its place in the visual toolkit.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2021
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In today's fast-paced world, where information overload reigns supreme, the power of visual content cannot be overstated. With readers bombarded with an endless stream of data, news, and text, visuals have the unique ability to cut through the noise and capture attention. However, despite the importance of visual communication, many researchers lack the necessary skills to present their work effectively visually.

This comprehensive book aims to bridge that gap by providing essential strategies for creating more effective data visualizations. Authored by Jonathan Schwabish, a renowned expert in data visualization, the book takes readers on a journey of learning and improvement.

In the first chapter, Schwabish delves into the fundamentals of creating better graphs, emphasizing the importance of clear and concise messaging. He guides readers through the process of selecting the appropriate chart type for their data, using color and typography to enhance visual appeal, and incorporating storytelling elements to make data more engaging.

The second chapter explores the principles of visual perception, helping readers understand how humans interpret and process visual information. Schwabish discusses the role of attention, memory, and cognitive biases in shaping our perception of charts and provides practical tips for designing visuals that are more intuitive and easy to understand.

Throughout the book, Schwabish showcases more than five hundred examples of data visualizations, ranging from simple line, bar, and pie charts to complex histograms, horizon charts, ridgeline plots, and choropleth maps. Each example is accompanied by detailed explanations, highlighting the dos and don'ts of data visualization, as well as the principles of visual perception.

Schwabish also surveys a wide range of visualization types, providing insights into their applications and benefits. From histograms, which illustrate the distribution of data, to horizon charts, which visualize trends over time, to choropleth maps, which depict geographic patterns, the book offers a comprehensive overview of the visual toolkit.

Despite the complexity of data visualization, Schwabish believes that anyone can learn to create compelling and effective visualizations. The book is designed to be accessible to researchers of all levels, with clear explanations and step-by-step guidance. It encourages readers to define their audience and goals, choose the graph that best fits their data, and communicate their message clearly and concisely.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists, and professionals who want to enhance their data visualization skills. With its comprehensive coverage of chart types, visual perception principles, and practical tips, it provides a solid foundation for creating more effective and engaging visualizations. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced data visualization practitioner, this book will help you take your work to the next level.

Weight: 1136g
Dimension: 178 x 229 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231193115