We live in a data-driven world. From website performance to consumer behavior, data measures and tracks changes, highlights successes and failures, and ultimately drives decision making. And thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), the amount of worldwide data will only continue to grow. However, raw data is rarely glamourous, and to the average person is complex, unengaging, and difficult to decipher. That’s why data visualization, specifically interactive data visualization, is so important.
What is data visualization?
As the name suggests, data visualization is the act of taking data and presenting it visually. In other words, instead of presenting data as simple text or in a basic grid, organizations can use data visualization tools to display data in the form of a chart, graph, or other visual element. Common data visualization graphics include, but are not limited to:
- Line Charts
- Bar Charts
- Histograms
Scatterplots - Area charts
- Pie charts
What about interactive data visualization?
Interactive data visualization refers to visualization graphics like those above. However, the difference is that users can interact with them. Examples of interactive elements include buttons users can push or bars they can drag to explore how different variables affect data results. Organizations like interactive data visualization because of the added insights and value it delivers.
Benefits of data visualization
Make no mistake. Data visualization is not just about making data pretty. It’s about presenting data in
- Better engagement. Let’s face it. Data sets can be dull, especially when the
set is particularly dense or complex. By presenting data in a visually appealing manner, companies can drive engagement among viewers, or at the very least, keep them from growing bored. - Faster comprehension. Data visualization is not only more interesting, it also helps viewers more quickly understand what they are seeing. According to some studies, humans process visuals 60,000 faster than text, and 90% of information transferred to the brain is visual. With stats like that, why wouldn’t organizations use data visualization?
- Emphasized insights. Without visualization, important points can get lost in a sea of numbers. Visualization helps emphasize key insights so that viewers can take note and act accordingly.
- Informed decision making. Speaking of acting, data visualization helps drive informed decision-making and empowers organizations to spot key trends and create actionable takeaways.
Bring your data to life with Power BI
Organizations can choose from a variety of data visualization tools, but Microsoft Power BI, along with Power BI consulting services, is one of the most popular options. Described as “a cloud-based business analytics service enabling anyone to visualize and analyze data with greater speed, efficiency, and understanding,” Power BI solutions help organizations of all sizes visually transform their data and make it interactive. With this tool, users can:
- Create interactive data visualizations from numerous data sources
- Visualize data through custom visuals
- Monitor their data in real time from just about any device
- Stay on top of data changes thanks to mobile alerts
- Explore data in depth simply by typing a question
- Create impactful reports that can be shared as needed
Help when you need it
Organizations that need help developing a strong data strategy or effectively deploying interactive data visualization can partner with a Power BI consulting services firm. Such implementation partners can also help with data integration, data warehouse, data modelling, governance, compliance, and more.
Data visualization can be complex and confusing. An experienced implementation partner can help make sense of it all. Whether you need help with Power BI solutions or assistance with another tool, experienced experts are just a phone call or email away.
