The Context of Data Visualization - Data Visualization: A Successful Design Process - page 6

Through the previous graphical display, we can immediately see the prominent
patterns created by the relationships between the X and Y values across the four
sets of data as follows:
• the general tendency about a trend line in X1 , Y1
• the curvature pattern of X2 , Y2
• the strong linear pattern with single outlier in X3 , Y3
• the similarly strong linear pattern with an outlier for X4 , Y4
The intention and value of Anscombe's experiment was to demonstrate the
importance of presenting data graphically. Rather than just describing a dataset
based on a selection of some of its key statistical properties alone, to make proper
sense of data, and avoid forming false conclusions we need to also employ
visualization techniques.
It is much easier to discover and confirm the presence (or even absence) of patterns,
relationships, and physical characteristics (such as outliers) through a visual display,
reinforcing the essence of Tukey's quote about the value of pictures.
Data visualization is about a discovery process, enabling the reader to move from
just looking at data to actually seeing it. This is a subtle but important distinction.
The bedrock of visualization knowledge
Data visualization is not easy. Let's make that clear from the start. It should be
genuinely viewed as a craft. It is a unique convergence of many different skills
and requires a great deal of practice and experience, which clearly demands time
and patience.
Above all, it requires a deep and broad knowledge across several traditionally
discrete subjects, including cognitive science, statistics, graphic design, cartography,
and computer science.
This multi-disciplinary recipe unquestionably makes it a challenging subject to
master but equally provides an exciting proposition for many. This is evidenced by
the field's popular participation, drawing people from many diverse backgrounds.
If we look at this subject convergence at a more summary level, data visualization
could be described as an intersection of art and science. This combination of creative
and scientific perspectives represents a delicate mixture. Achieving an appropriate
balance between these contrasting ingredients is one of the fundamental factors that
will determine the success or failure of a designer's work.