Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Taxonomy of Data
Visualization Methods
In the previous chapter, we learned about the anatomy of a data visualization. This
provided a framework to recognize and consider all the different design decisions
you're faced with as well as guidance for how you might rationalize the choices
you make.
In this chapter, we specifically revisit the data representation layer. This was described
as the most critical layer of the visualization design task. It is also probably the most
difficult to master.
In this chapter, we'll look at a taxonomy of data visualization methods as defined
by the primary communication purpose. Within this taxonomy we will see an
organized collection of some of the most common chart types and graphical
methods being used today.
By exploring this array of chart types you will get a better understanding of the
relationship between the stories you are trying to portray, the physicality of your
data, and the visual variables through which we can represent them. It will provide
you with a catalog of reference, offering ideas, and inspiration for when you face this
stage in the design of your own projects.
The gallery of solutions presented does not intend or pretend to cover every subtle
variation of chart or graph design. A creative field like data visualization simply
does not lend itself to finite classification.
However, it should help you feel better equipped to more efficiently determine the
most suitable representation solution for your specific problem context.
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