Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Interacting with data visually
From a very early age, we are taught to interact with data in a cognitive way—focused
on analysis, not understanding. We are not supposed or encouraged to look at data
in a creative, fun, or interesting way that induces insight. This, however, is now
changing.There'sanentirelynewdisciplineemergingintheieldofdatascienceand
analytics, which stresses the visual aspects of interacting with data. Visual interaction,
as opposed to cognitive interaction, tends to have some qualities for average human
beingswhodonothavethetechnicalorscientiicbackgroundthatsomepeoplemay
have.Byextension,manydifferentbusinessmanagersmayalsoindthisnewwayof
interaction quite interesting. Here are some reasons why:
• It allows people to extract key information at a glance. In an age of sub-
second attention spans and massive information overload, this can be truly
important to get a point across and help your audience sift through what is
and what is not important.
• We all know the cliché: a picture says more than a thousand words. The
reason it is a cliché, of course, is that it is true. Pictures are usually easier
to understand, and perhaps more importantly, also easier to remember.
Edward Tufte's reference work on visualization
