Guidelines for Data Visualization

Guidelines to Good Figures

  • Important Note: Figures are the most vital elements in communicating scientific information. They play a crucial role in effectively conveying research findings and storytelling in scientific discourse.

Data Visualization Overview

What is Data Visualization?

  • Data visualization is the art of weaving numbers into pictures. It allows scientists to illustrate data through various formats such as charts, graphs, and diagrams.

Uses of Data Visualization

  • Show Comparisons: Helps in contrasting and comparing different datasets clearly and quickly.

    • Types of Visualization: Box plots, scatter plots, stacked bar charts, and histograms.

  • Reveal Patterns: Visual aids such as maps can highlight correlations and trends effectively.

Importance of Data Visualization

Benefits of Data Visualization

  • Enables visualization of the big picture providing perspective on results.

  • Facilitates rapid comparison of different values.

  • Helps in identifying patterns and relationships within the data.

  • Aids in presenting complex datasets in a more understandable format.

Detailed Examples of Visualization and Data

Case Study: U.S. Sales Data Example

  • Sales Data Overview

    • Displaying domestic and international sales from Jan to Dec 2013 reveals trends:

    • Domestic sales ranged from $1,983 thousand to $3,493 thousand.

    • International sales varied between $574 thousand and $690 thousand.

Data Overview

Month

Domestic Sales (in thousands)

International Sales (in thousands)

Jan

1983

574

Feb

2343

636

Mar

2593

673

Apr

2283

593

May

2574

644

Jun

2838

679

Jul

2382

593

Aug

2634

139

Sep

2938

599

Oct

2739

583

Nov

2983

602

Dec

3493

690

Communication in Engineering

Importance of Communication Skills

  • Figures are critically evaluated first by the audience; thus, the presentation quality is paramount.

  • Well-designed figures convey messages and relationships more clearly than text.

  • There is a direct need for figures to help the audience understand objectives and research results.

    • A rhetorical question: "So what?" highlights the importance of context and summary in scientific communications.

Skills Employers Look For in Graduates

Priorities for College Learning Outcomes

  • Communication Skills

    • Oral communication: 90% importance.

    • Teamwork skills with diverse groups: 87% importance.

    • Written communication: 78% importance.

    • Critical thinking and analytic reasoning: 84% importance.

Source of Data

  • Hart Research Associates (2018) on liberal education and the future of work reflects current employer priorities.

Historical Case Study: Challenger Disaster

O-Ring Damage Analysis

  • Significance of accurate figures in engineering: Miscommunication led to a fatal outcome during the Challenger launch.

Key Findings from the Damage Analysis

  • Detailed measurements indicating erosion and damage correlated with temperature data leading up to the launch:

    • Temperature range predicted: 26°-29° Celsius.

    • Direct correlation between lower launch temperatures and increased likelihood of O-ring erosion and damage.

Guidelines for Creating Good Graphs

  1. Purpose

    • Clearly state if the figure aims to illustrate a process, show change, compare items, or establish relationships.

  2. Composition

    • Arrange components logically to enhance clarity and comprehension.

  3. Color

    • Use color strategically to draw attention to key data points, ensuring accessibility and clarity in presentation.

  4. Clarity

    • Remove unnecessary elements and ensure the audience can grasp the figure’s story or intent intuitively.

Common Graphing Mistakes to Avoid

Poor techniques that hinder clarity

  • Avoid 3D graphs that can confuse the viewer.

  • Ensure most of the graph’s area is utilized for data representation (80% rule).

  • Need for effective figures: Always caption figures at the bottom clearly and descriptively.

Table Guidelines

Effective Table Design

  1. Structure

    • Use rows for independent variables and columns for dependent ones.

  2. Title

    • Have clear titles at the top of your tables.

  3. Data Clarity

    • Avoid clutter; make sure the data is straightforward and easy to interpret.

Summary

  • Figures and data visualizations are essential in conveying scientific and engineering information. By following established guidelines, one can create informative and harmonious presentations that effectively communicate findings and enhance understanding.