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Naomi Robbins
Founder at NBR

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Creating Effective Graphs

February 2024

Summary

In the field of data visualization, mastering the skill of creating clear and effective graphs is essential for communicating data insights accurately and convincingly. Naomi Robbins, an experienced expert in data visualization, highlights the transformative power of visualization skills in enhancing one's career. She critiques common data visualization mistakes that can mislead or confuse viewers, such as the misuse of pie charts, pseudo-3D effects, and inappropriate use of color. Robbins provides practical advice on selecting the best data visualization tools, highlighting the benefits of coding for reproducibility and the dangers of relying on default graph settings in software like Excel. She also discusses the role of AI in data visualization, noting its potential to assist in writing code but warning against using AI-generated images for graphs. The session emphasizes the importance of attention to detail, including proofreading graphs and considering color vision deficiencies, to ensure accessibility and accuracy in data communication.

Key Takeaways:

Data visualization skills are easy to learn and essential for every data project.
Common data visualization mistakes include misuse of pie charts and unnecessary dimensions.
Coding offers reproducibility benefits over point-and-click methods.
AI can assist in generating code for plots but should be used carefully.
Proofreading graphs and considering accessibility issues is vital for effective communication.

Deep Dives

The Importance of Data Visualization Skills

Naomi Robbins emphasizes the importance of mastering data visualization for any data professional. She points out that visualization skills are ...
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not only accessible but also broadly applicable across various data-driven tasks, making them a high-impact area for career development. "Becoming a data visualization expert should be top of your list for high-impact data skills to learn," she asserts. Robbins draws from her extensive experience to illustrate how effective visualization can enhance data interpretation and decision-making processes. By transforming complex data into simpler visual formats, professionals can better communicate insights and influence organizational strategies.

Common Data Visualization Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Robbins identifies several common errors in data visualization, such as the use of pie charts for inappropriate data types and the application of pseudo-3D effects that distort data perception. She advises against using pie charts for time series data or datasets not representing parts of a whole and critiques the misleading nature of pseudo-3D graphics, which can confuse viewers about the actual values being represented. Robbins emphasizes, "If you have no other takeaways from today's talk, I hope you will all learn not to use pseudo 3D pie and bar charts." Instead, she recommends alternatives like bar charts and dot plots for clearer communication.

The Role of Tools and Software in Data Visualization

While software like Excel is ubiquitous in data visualization, Robbins points out that its default settings often lead to suboptimal graphs. She encourages users to explore advanced functionalities and customization options within Excel or consider other tools like R's ggplot2 or Python's Plotly Express and Seaborn. These tools allow for more accurate and visually appealing visualizations. Robbins appreciates the flexibility of tools like R, stating, "I'm going to recommend R just because that's what I'm aware of." She emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on default settings and instead adjusting graphs to fit the data's narrative.

AI in Data Visualization: Opportunities and Cautions

As AI technology advances, its role in data visualization is expanding. Robbins discusses the potential of AI to assist in generating code for complex plots, thereby aiding those less proficient in programming. However, she warns against using AI-generated images for graphs, as these often result in inaccuracies. "AI is your friend here," she notes, referring to its ability to automate coding tasks. Nonetheless, she emphasizes the need for careful scrutiny of AI-generated outputs to ensure they accurately represent the data. Attendees are encouraged to explore AI's capabilities, but with a critical eye towards maintaining data integrity.