Data visualization refers to the graphical representation of information and data in such a way that it makes it easier to gain actionable insights from it. 

The art of showcasing data beautifully has taken the world by storm. Today, Digital Designers, with knowledge of Data Science, are creating amazing visualizations. What used to be simple charts and scatter plots are now complex and creative pieces of data art — some beautiful enough to hang up on your wall.

What most outside the data science community don’t realize is just how much artistry is involved in the creation of some of those visualizations. Have a look at some cool examples of Data Visualizations:

Launch It

By Shane Mielke

When graphic designer Shane Mielke published his book, “Launch It”, he also designed an amazing online data visualization. This interactive data is a spinnable world map showing live data of locations at which people could go and purchase the book.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

By Strait Times

If you are a Marvel Fan, you will know that all the characters and stories are intertwined with all the other movies. This interactive data visualization gives you a fun way to understand connections between characters and movies inside the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Created by the data artists of the Straits Times in Singapore, this data is entertaining and easy to navigate. Marvel fans will really enjoy this one!

Although these were just some cool representations of data, many data visualizations are created to actually solve business problems. For example:

Let’s say you want to evaluate the performance of your marketing channels that include the website, Search Engine Marketing, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Content Referrals and Direct Traffic. Wouldn’t it be nice if you were able to aggregate data from the different tools you use and create visual displays to compare results from the different channels over the same time period?

Data Visualizations like these can give you all this information and more:

How Data Science Compliments your Digital Design Skills

With data now being a critical source of competitive advantage, business organisations are seeking newer methods to analyze the data they have access to. Most decision-makers for businesses are now familiar with graphs, pie-charts, and other forms of visualizations that help them to make sense of sales, revenue, and other aspects of company operations. 

It is commonly said that a picture is worth more than 1,000 words. It’s science. Studies have shown that 90 percent of the information that is transmitted to the brain is visual. You can use this power of the visuals to solve some other problems as well.

For example, have a look at this COVID-19 tracker. It displays the data it has aggregated from official government agencies on the virus outbreak and displays it beautifully for the people who are looking for authentic information. Data Visualisation like this is giving rise to more dynamic content. 

All this content can also be used by brands to increase online engagement of users. Have a look at this site that collates data and makes it into interactive dashboards that would keep the people engaged while giving them value.

The Netflix show “Explained” is another example of how data can be used to create content that users would look good and keeps people engaged.  series that combine data with a beautiful design and presents it in such a way that everyone loves to see the inferences and insights that are gained from it.

Conclusion:

A balanced approach in data visualization and analytics is thus essential in formulating an effective business strategy. And that is where your knowledge of Digital Designing along with the knowledge of Data science will play a major role. If you are skilled in both these aspects, then every data-driven company will want to hire you. 

If you want to be ready for one of the best career options of the next decade, then it is time you started learning Data Science. 

IIDE is offering an 11 months full-time Postgraduate Programme in Data Science. Rigorous classroom sessions coupled with compulsory internships will make you completely industry-ready for working as a professional Data Scientist. Do not forget to check out the programme.