The Importance of Data Visualization

1091 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Importance of Data Visualization

We acquire more information through vision than through all of the other senses combined.” “The 20 billion or so neurons of the brain devoted to analyzing visual information provide a pattern-finding mechanism that is a fundamental component in much of our cognitive activity”, according to Colin Ware, in his book Information Visualization. (Ware, 2013)

Better decisions are made when backed by information reducing the uncertainty rather than the intuitive approach. It becomes overwhelming when the information comes from various sources in different formats presented in a variety of ways. The opportunity to enhance the situational awareness and aid decision-makers increases if such information can be visually represented effectively. Visualization is often considered to be an effective way of communicating information. This can be achieved by sending across the right / intended message to a particular receiver(s) through visuals. (Summers, Jones, & Flo, 2005)

Effective data visualization tools / techniques provide meaningful visualization of data which enables “nontechnical” users take quick decisions, reducing their time to interpret / analyze enormous data. Better decisions can be taken with precise data, reducing the uncertainty.

Edward Tufte in his seminal work The Visual Display of Quantitative Information explains, “Graphics reveal data”. “Indeed graphics can be more precise and revealing than conventional statistical computations.” (Tufte, 1983)

According to a research survey conducted by TDWI only 7% of the 453 respondents to the survey are “very satisfied” with their ability to view and interact with data visually so as to communicate information effectively and make decisions based on information represented by graphi...

... middle of paper ...

...k great in the initial analysis but might not produce the intended result for the organization. Visualizations with this ability to drill down to more thorough data can prevent executives take arbitrary / subjective decisions. (SilkRoad, 2013)

References

SilkRoad. (2013). Recruitment Marketing Effectiveness: Meaningful Metrics Straight From the Source. Retrieved from http://silkroad.com: http://pages.silkroad.com/Recruitment-Marketing-Effectiveness-Registration.html

Stodder, D. (2013). Data Visualization and Discovery for Better Business Decisions. Retrieved from http://tdwi.org: http://tdwi.org/webcasts/2013/07/data-visualization-and-discovery-for-better-business-decisions.aspx

Tufte, E. (1983). The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. Cheshire, Conneticut: Graphics Press.

Ware, C. (2013). Information Visualization. Waltham, MA: Morgan Kaufmann.

Show More
Related

  • Why is Hubel and Wiesel's Description of the Classical Receptive Field Inadequate for an Understanding of Visual Perception?

    2170 Words  | 5 Pages

    The ultimate goal for a system of visual perception is representing visual scenes. It is generally assumed that this requires an initial ‘break-down’ of complex visual stimuli into some kind of “discrete subunits” (De Valois & De Valois, 1980, p.316) which can then be passed on and further processed by the brain. The task thus arises of identifying these subunits as well as the means by which the visual system interprets and processes sensory input. An approach to visual scene analysis that prevailed for many years was that of individual cortical cells being ‘feature detectors’ with particular response-criteria. Though not self-proclaimed, Hubel and Wiesel’s theory of a hierarchical visual system employs a form of such feature detectors. I will here discuss: the origins of the feature detection theory; Hubel and Wiesel’s hierarchical theory of visual perception; criticism of the hierarchical nature of the theory; an alternative theory of receptive-field cells as spatial frequency detectors; and the possibility of reconciling these two theories with reference to parallel processing.

    Read More

  • Halo Effect Essay

    740 Words  | 2 Pages

    One of the problems with graphic rating scales that quickly became apparent after their introduction is the so-called ‘halo effect.’ When examining graphic ratings of performance, Ford (2001) found that there was a tendency for raters to give similar scores to a ratee on all dimensions of performance. Parrill (1999( To rate a worker in this manner would be the equivalent of rating the worker on one single scale, as opposed to many different scales that measure different aspects of work performance. Other researchers also discovered this problem. Parrill (1999) Soon, there was a great deal of literature documenting the problem of halo when using graphic rating scales. More current literature has also documented the issue of halo, citing that it continues to be a pervasive problem with graphic rating scales (Landy and Farr, 2000).

    Read More

  • The Enduring Benefits of Graphic Notation

    2606 Words  | 6 Pages

    A succinct description of graphic notation and its history can be found in Cox, ‘Visual Sounds: On Graphic Scores.” Audio Culture – Readings in Modern Music ed. Christoph Cox (New York: Continuum, 2004) 187-88.

    Read More

  • Case 17 ? Johnson & Johnson

    490 Words  | 1 Pages

    In addition, difficulties including decision biases (confirmation traps and hindsight traps) and escalation of commitment can be countered in a constructive manner. J&J provides an environment that supports information search and open discussion among members of the group. By challenging long-held assumptions, a better decision develops from the interaction of group members.

    Read More

  • Design Thinking

    1192 Words  | 3 Pages

    Oxman, R. (1997). Design by re-representation: a model of visual reasoning in design. Design studies, 18, 329-347.

    Read More

  • Multiview Methodolgy

    1313 Words  | 3 Pages

    Multiview looks at the human activity within the organisation and analyses it in order to determine a problem theme. Using diagrams to give an overview of human activity within departments make it easier for users to pinpoint discrepancies with workflows. Once identified, users of the system can assist the developers to make the necessary changes that will increase efficiency with human activity.

    Read More

  • Visualization

    1854 Words  | 4 Pages

    When we are born, we can see but we cannot put anything into words. When we’re older we visualize. Visualization is the way we interact with the world. Dillard discusses how some people who have corrected and restored their sight from blindness are delighted with their sight. They see things as they really are in a way that those who always see things cannot. Like an object is seen in shape and color rather than in its name and purposes. Those that have not seen never take the beauty of sight for granted. Both Annie Dillard and John Berger agree that we cannot see clearly. Berger thinks it is because of external influences while Dillard thinks because nature and ignorance won’t let us.

    Read More

  • Improving College Recruitment

    1823 Words  | 4 Pages

    Recruitment is a serious issue for an organization and one that ought to be afforded a considerable amount of planning in order to successfully achieve desired outcomes. Recruitment is a costly process for an organization and poorly executed recruitment can result in selecting candidates that are not appropriate for the organization. A poorly executed recruitment can also reflect negatively on the organization’s reputation, which can cost the organization solid future candidates. Due to the cost both in time and in resources, a recruitment process deserves a solid training program that covers a variety of issues. Thought should be given to the topics to be covered in a training program, aids or materials recruiters will need, practical skills to be covered in the training, the person most appropriate to conduct the training, and any additional needs to be considered to ensure the training is most effective in achieving the goal of developing strong recruiting skills.

    Read More

  • The Processes of Visual Perception and Visual Sensation

    1240 Words  | 3 Pages

    Visual perception plays a big part on how we perceive life. If we didn't have perception I don't know where we would be now.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Summary

    1607 Words  | 4 Pages

    Companies have transformed technology from a supporting tool into a strategic weapon.”(Davenport, 2006) In business research, technology has become an essential means that many organizations use in their daily operations. According to the article, Analytics is a major technological tool used. It is described as “the extensive use of data, statistical and quantitative analysis, explanatory and predictive models, and fact-based management to drive decisions and actions."(Davenport, 2006) Data is compiled to enhance business practices. When samples are taken, they are used to examine research and understand how to solve problems or why situations are as they are. Furthermore, in this article, Thomas Davenport discusses analytics from a business standpoint. He refers to organizations that have been successful in their usage of data and statistical analysis. In addition, he also discusses how data and statistics can be vital in the efforts to improve the operations of businesses.

    Read More

  • Computer Graphics and Animation

    2257 Words  | 5 Pages

    Computer Graphics is the bond between humans and computers. Computer graphics is a large field that branches into almost all fields of computer science; however its roots are young. Computer graphics has massively grown over the past 40 years and is now our primary means of communication with computer applications. Do to technological limitations in the 1950s, computer graphics began as a small, specialized field. The Whirlwind project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is marked as the origin of computer graphics (Machover 14).

    Read More

  • Recruitment And Selection Process Essay

    1176 Words  | 3 Pages

    Recruitment refers to those activities that an organization tries to attract people for applying a job in the organization. From these activities, chances will be given for people to apply jobs from there organization. An effective recruitment should have a right person in the right place at the right time; the main way to attract applicants can be listed as follows, walk-ins, employee referrals, advertising, websites, professional associations, educational associations, professional agencies, E-recruitment and world-of-mouth. Applicants can get some recruit informations form different ways; employees will provide a job description for those who are interested.

    Read More

  • Managerial Accounting Essay

    1333 Words  | 3 Pages

    To reach the necessary information, a new information system should be created. In the same study, Hayes found that this additional non-financial data will be significant in supporting decision making by managers. As a result, MAS has developed to include traditional non-financial data focusing on predictive information and functional areas to aid managers to make more informed decisions (Mia & Chenhall, 1994).

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Social Media And Traditional Media

    894 Words  | 2 Pages

    Title: Compare and contrast the presentation of visual information in two different types of media today, focusing on how effectively the information is communicated.

    Read More

  • Pie Charts

    952 Words  | 2 Pages

    An important part of decision making is having a clear understanding of the information used to base decisions from. Charts can be valuable when a need to represent numerical data would benefit communicating information visually. Some of the most important aspects of a good chart are to select the right type of chart (or graph) that can best characterize the data, also, to keep the design simple in order for an audience to easily understand the information.

    Read More

More about The Importance of Data Visualization

Open Document