Creating Designs

Summary

This session delves into the art of data visualization, emphasizing the importance of message clarity and appropriate form selection. Anand critiques the misuse of 3D effects, which can distort data perception, advocating for simplicity and precision in design. The discussion highlights the purpose-driven approach to dashboard design, stressing the need for concise, accessible, and non-cluttered displays that facilitate quick comprehension and decision-making, without overwhelming the viewer with excessive information.

Takeaways

• 📊 The importance of understanding the message to convey before choosing a visualization form.
• 🎯 The significance of design in effectively communicating the intended message through a visualization.
• 🚫 Warning against the use of 3D representations as they can distort perception and be misleading.
• 📈 Clarity is key; the design should enhance the message without adding unnecessary complexity.
• 👀 Emphasizing the need for precision and accuracy in visualization to avoid misinterpretation.
• 🔍 The suggestion to use value labels and avoid clutter for a cleaner, more understandable visualization.
• 🌐 Discussing the pitfalls of over-crowding a visualization with too much data, which can detract from the main message.
• 🛑 The critique of 3D pie charts as potentially deceptive and the recommendation to avoid them.
• 🔑 The concept of dashboards as a collection of related displays serving a specific purpose, not just a collection of data.
• 🚗 The analogy of a car dashboard to explain the need for dashboards to provide information at a glance without interaction.
• 🔑 The necessity of defining the purpose of a dashboard and including only the information that helps achieve that purpose.

Q & A

What are the three key components of the visualization process discussed in the session?

The three key components are understanding the message to convey, selecting the appropriate form of visualization, and designing the chosen form effectively.

Why is it important to have a clear message before choosing a visualization form?

A clear message ensures that the chosen form of visualization accurately represents and communicates the intended information to the audience.

What is the speaker's view on using 3D representations in data visualization?

The speaker believes that 3D representations can often be misleading and unnecessary, as they can add complexity without adding value to the message being communicated.

Can you provide an example from the script where 3D effects may distort the perception of data?

The example of 3D bar charts is given, where the use of 3D effects and shadows makes it difficult to discern differences between data points, such as between the 30 to 34 and 35 to 39 age groups.

What is the potential issue with 3D pie charts according to the speaker?

The issue with 3D pie charts is that they can create a visual illusion, making slices appear to be of similar size when they are not, thus distorting the viewer's perception of the data.

What does the speaker suggest should be the approach to using color in data visualization?

The speaker suggests that color should be used thoughtfully, considering accessibility, and that a universal color scheme like red, yellow, and green should be used to indicate good, caution, and bad metrics, respectively.

Why is it recommended to avoid clutter in data visualization?

Clutter can distract from the message and make it harder for the viewer to quickly comprehend the data. Simplifying the visualization by reducing labels and unnecessary elements can improve clarity and focus.

What is the definition of a data dashboard as per the speaker?

A data dashboard is a visual display of the most important information needed to achieve one or more objectives, consolidated on a single screen for easy monitoring and understanding at a glance.

Why does the speaker argue against making a dashboard interactive?

The speaker argues that an interactive dashboard can detract from its primary purpose of providing quick, clear information. The dashboard should be straightforward and not require additional actions to understand the data.

What is the speaker's opinion on the use of real-time data in dashboards?

The speaker believes that real-time data monitoring should be separate from dashboards, as dashboards are meant for quick glances to understand the current status, not for continuous monitoring.

What should be the guiding principle when designing a dashboard according to the speaker?

The guiding principle should be to focus on the purpose of the dashboard, displaying only the most critical information needed to achieve the dashboard's objectives, and avoiding overloading it with unnecessary data.

Outlines

00:00

📊 Importance of Design in Visualization

The first paragraph emphasizes the significance of design in effective visualization. It discusses how a clear message and the appropriate form of visualization are crucial for communication. The speaker uses the example of a cricket scoreboard to illustrate the point and criticizes the use of 3D representations, which can distort perception and be misleading. The summary also touches on the importance of purpose in design, the misuse of 3D pie charts, and the potential for 3D effects to be deceptive, advocating for simplicity and clarity in visual communication.

05:02

📈 Clarity and Simplicity in Data Presentation

The second paragraph focuses on the clarity and simplicity required in data presentation. It starts with the critique of a sales dashboard, highlighting the need for clear messaging and avoiding unnecessary complexity. The speaker suggests using value labels and reducing clutter by selectively annotating data points. The analogy of Beethoven's music with construction noise is used to stress the importance of avoiding distractions in data visualization. The paragraph concludes with the idea that the design phase of visualization should aim to make the message easily understandable.

10:03

🚗 The Concept and Design of Dashboards

The third paragraph delves into the concept of dashboards, comparing them to a car's dashboard for quick and clear information. It discusses the definition of a dashboard as a visual display of the most important information needed to achieve objectives, consolidated on a single screen. The speaker criticizes the inclusion of unnecessary interactive elements and the practice of overloading dashboards with too much information. The importance of relevance and simplicity in dashboard design is underscored, with the speaker advocating for a clear purpose and avoiding the temptation to include every possible metric.

15:04

🛠️ Dashboard Design Principles and Pitfalls

The fourth paragraph continues the discussion on dashboard design, highlighting the common pitfalls such as adding too much data and losing sight of the dashboard's purpose. It emphasizes the need for a clear understanding of what the dashboard is intended to display and achieve. The speaker uses examples of a cluttered dashboard and how it can be simplified by focusing on the big picture and key metrics. The importance of accessibility in dashboard design is also mentioned, with a call for customization options to accommodate users with visual impairments.

20:09

🎨 Purpose-Driven Dashboard Design and Accessibility

The final paragraph wraps up the session by reiterating the importance of purpose in dashboard design. It discusses the need to identify the key metrics and avoid including excessive details that could overwhelm the user. The speaker also stresses the importance of accessibility, mentioning the use of color palettes that are distinguishable for colorblind users. The paragraph concludes with a reminder to link to more detailed information when necessary, without overcrowding the dashboard itself.

Keywords

💡Visualization

Visualization refers to the process of representing data or information in a graphical format to make it easier to understand and analyze. In the context of the video, it is the core theme where the speaker discusses the importance of conveying a clear message through appropriate forms of visual representation, such as charts or graphs. For example, the speaker mentions the use of 3D representations and their potential to distort the message being communicated.

💡Message

In the script, 'message' is the key point or information that the presenter wants to communicate through the visualization. It is essential to identify the message before selecting the form of visualization. The video emphasizes that the design of the visualization should support and clarify the message, avoiding unnecessary elements that could confuse the audience.

💡Design

Design in the video script pertains to the aesthetic and functional layout of the visualization. It is highlighted as a critical component in ensuring the message is effectively communicated. The speaker warns against over-complicating the design, such as using 3D effects, which can detract from the message. The design should be purposeful and enhance the understanding of the data presented.

💡3D Representation

The term '3D Representation' is used in the script to describe a method of visualizing data in three dimensions. The speaker argues that while 3D can look impressive, it can also be misleading or unnecessary, as it may add complexity without adding value to the message. For instance, the speaker points out that 3D pie charts can distort the perception of data proportions.

💡Dashboard

A 'Dashboard' in the video is defined as a visual display that consolidates the most important information needed to achieve one or more objectives. It should be easily understood at a glance and not require interaction. The speaker criticizes dashboards that include too much information or are not designed with the user's needs in mind, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and relevance.

💡Clutter

Clutter in the context of the video refers to the unnecessary information or elements in a visualization that can confuse the viewer and detract from the message. The speaker advises to avoid clutter by using value labels judiciously and removing non-essential data points or annotations to maintain a clear and focused visualization.

💡Purpose

Purpose is repeatedly emphasized in the script as the fundamental reason for choosing a particular visualization technique or design element. Every aspect of the visualization, from the choice of chart type to the use of color, should serve the purpose of conveying the intended message. The speaker uses the term to critique examples where the visualization does not align with the intended purpose, such as with 3D charts.

💡Data

Data in the video script represents the raw numbers or information that is being visualized. The speaker discusses how data should be presented in a way that is not only accurate but also precise, meaning it should be displayed in a manner that directly addresses the viewer's needs without distraction or misinterpretation.

💡Accuracy and Precision

Accuracy and precision are terms used to describe the reliability and exactness of the information presented in a visualization. The speaker stresses the importance of being both accurate (correctly representing the data) and precise (presenting the data in a way that directly answers the viewer's questions) to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

💡Aesthetics

Aesthetics in the video refers to the visual appeal and design quality of the visualization. The speaker argues that while aesthetics are important, they should not come at the expense of clarity or the message's effectiveness. Aesthetic simplicity is advocated to avoid distraction and to ensure the message is communicated clearly.

💡Accessibility

Accessibility in the context of the video is the ability of the visualization to be understood by all users, including those with visual impairments. The speaker mentions the importance of designing with color blindness in mind, using color palettes that are distinguishable to all users, ensuring that the message is communicated effectively to everyone.

Highlights

The importance of understanding the message before selecting a form of visualization.

Anand's example of cricket to illustrate the ineffectiveness of certain visualizations.

The significance of design in conveying the intended message through visualization.

Critique of 3D representations for their potential to mislead or add no value to the message.

The example of 3D bar charts and how they can distort perception of data differences.

The potential for 3D pie charts to deceive by altering the perception of data shares.

The emphasis on purpose when using 3D effects in visualizations to avoid counterproductivity.

Anand's personal policy against 3D charts in presentations and the rationale behind it.

The suggestion to avoid over-cluttering line charts with too much information.

The importance of clear titles and annotations in visualizations for better understanding.

The analogy of Beethoven's music with construction noise to illustrate the impact of clutter in charts.

The concept of data dashboards and their role in consolidating information for quick understanding.

The definition and principles of a good dashboard design according to Steven Few.

The distinction between a dashboard and an interactive display, emphasizing the dashboard's simplicity.

The comparison of a dashboard to a car's dashboard for quick, at-a-glance information.

The pitfalls of overcrowding a dashboard with too much data, leading to confusion.

The necessity of designing dashboards with accessibility in mind, including for color blindness.

The strategy for dashboard design that includes a clear purpose and avoiding unnecessary information.

The use of color coding in dashboards and the importance of choosing distinct colors for accessibility.

The final thoughts on the importance of understanding the purpose of visualization and designing accordingly.

Transcripts

Welcome back folks this is the third session on visualization.

We were speaking about the process of visualization and the two important components were first

of all trying to understand what message do we want to convey.

And once the message is clear what form of visualization should be used and Anand is

very happy to give the example of the cricket short where if the ball is outside the stamp

no chance of, we looking it on a deep square leg.

So, let us come to the third component which is designing the form that we have selected

in the second phase of the visualization part over to Anand.

Why designing important?

Well, designing is important because you have got a good message you got a good form correct

and the design can really completely detail the community message that you are trying

to communicate.

Almost a personal favourite is using 3D representation right absolutely 0 value to the message and

that is being communicated correctly somebody decided.

So, in fact, it takes it away right because if you look at those the bars that you see

of the 25 you know which is that the two dollars bars which are 30 to 34 and 35 to 39, right.

It is much more difficult to tell whether there is a difference between those two when

you use 3D effects.

Because of the shadow, honestly speaking my submission is again going back to purpose.

What purpose does that 3D representation do whatsoever?

In this case, at least right it is a harmless I will for your cases where you can be co

counterproductive.

I do not know if you have an example of a 3D pie chart I have it on the next slide.

So, I and again three same things I 3D effects that look this is very still same as the data

is you know the same as what we saw the previous chart.

But then we have got this 3D pie chart.

If you look at it right if you look at let me, see the numbers a little bit right.

If you look at our company which has 34 and the competitor here with us, 26 on the right

side can pie chart on the left side it looks like our company and competitors have the

same share.

All was no, yes but look at the chart on the right side.

yes, correct and if I wanted to do this, I will switch it around and rotate this pie

chart.

So, that competitor D which is a yellow slice can appear to be the same size as us.

So, 3D effects have zero purposes and in some cases are bad this to me goes into almost

deceit.

Because the left side pie chart without annotations essentially says that our company and competitor

have the same share, yes.

So, that is why 3D effects are very dangerous, and at least you know when I used to review

presentations, I would stop people whenever is a came in with a 3D chart I know I do not

know why I do not know what reason that is why they got the message.

I mean they are using 3D because 3D charts are so common everywhere today.

So, I have a simple movie I will not look at anybody who comes into a 3D chart and it

took me a while to get the message across.

And I had to use multiple tools to get the message across but the message was and I would

say you know you should never be used.

And if you ask me get this particular slide and stick it up on your wall because this

will tell you exactly why you should not use 3D effects.

And the same thing goes for even the line charts right we put too many things often

there.

Now different perspective right again you are showing monthly this one moreover the

same we have seen this example before.

We are talking about on the left side multiple things here right.

Look at the title let us start with the title, right?

it just says your cumulative unit sales actual versus plan.

That is a statement of fact right.

But look at the second one where I put this right.

Sales have exceeded plan by 30000 the message is very clear very clear on the left side

I have to calculate and not only do I have to calculate I have to look at the horizontal

the red line show me and this one is about hundred extra hundred more what is the difference.

So, you know what is it that it will be 300 and 177 correct.

So, you know what I said you know we said up for value labels wherever possible and

you can delete some labels to avoid clutter.

So, if you notice I have not labelled every single data point yes, I have to open to label

every alternate one, yes.

Why, it reduces clutter, and also, and since I have allocated that I do not need those

horizontal grid lines once you annotate it you do not need those correct.

So, again just look at aesthetically simpler right it is much easier more distraction right.

It is the equivalent of listening to Beethoven with you know background white noise with

some guy doing construction work in your house.

I must comment that your analogies are as visually appealing as, I mean as they can

have no I mean that is the point-like how to get the point across how to get the message

across.

So, the chart is Beethoven here on those red lines are the construction noise.

And it is like correct but I mean in general by designing phase of the visualization we

are trying to say that well may make it easier to guys exactly.

But I am also calling out to see if even the title the key message I want to say is that

you know cumulative actual sales through July we are ahead of the plan by 30000 I mean so,

very precise and it is got the message across I see this.

So, somebody says fantastic us a good job online.

I mean it says I mean you want to say things that you want to draw attention towards right

otherwise you are just keeping it open for discussion.

So, look for this one I am going to do right?

you know doctor colour that is why the director we should do it when I was in the department

and he was ahead of the department with chemical legendary.

He had a very interesting self-way of saying things right he says look if I show you an

apple and you tell me it is an orange you are confessing to two kinds you do not know

an apple and you do not know an orange understand principles, right?

So, if you want to get something of course do not distract on other things because by

definition people will draw their attention will be drawn to that and they will focus

on that.

So, you have to be very precise about what you what do you have to show.

So, you know if you draw a different real accuracy and position when you visualize you

have to be both accurate and precise.

So, that completes our three-part process of designing visualization tools understanding

the message conveying that message through a particular tool, and then designing that

tool carefully right.

I have a curiosity question for Anand.

So, essentially all these charts and tables and these numbers get into what is called

as data dashboards.

So, what are our data dashboard?

Dashboard right I mean and this is something that is there in every single I mean everybody

wants to talk about dashboard.

In fact, I remember seeing I think was it a department strip or something like that

right when you had a serial executive saying you know and given that is coming up on Christmas

gift right.

So, an executive is writing a letter to Santa saying dear Santa all I want for this Christmas

is a nice dashboard due from finance already has one.

So, look I the whole idea of a dashboard is hey how do you this photo of individual graphs

individual display self.

A dashboard in my mind the system ah a collection of related displays with some purpose right.

And you know no problem I think this was this I love this because it was created by, I think

Steven Fue was considered to be, you know extremely good researcher and a well-known

authority on dashboard design right.

Dashboard definition is you know it is a visual display and very nicely where every word is

important here.

So, a visual display of the most important information is needed to achieve one or more

objectives.

Consolidated to a single screen, so it can be monitored and understood at a glance, every

word here becomes critical.

At least the ones where I reduce the font those you can encode it is a visual display

end of the day correct what does it mean by visual displays that I see it and I comprehend

correctly.

Why do I say it is a visual display?

Very often more often than not you will hear this thing called the interactive dashboard

where you will see a dashboard and then people will say you can click here and we can show

this and you can show that.

No, I mean it is supposed to be visual right you do not necessarily have to make it interactive.

I think you only show the most important information that is needed to achieve a particular object.

I need the CEO to understand where we stand from a revenue perspective or a business performance

perspective.

It has to be on a single screen correct do not want to scroll up and down.

And very easily more understood I look at it I know what happened the in fact very name

dashboard was borrowed from the car automobile dashboard.

I already said when you design a dashboard you think of the car dashboard.

Can you imagine if you are driving a car and the dashboard requires you to reach in and

push a button to look at the fuel consumption, push another button to understand what your

speed is?

I mean that speed display tells you that you know you are 32% over the other speed limit

and that you know 78% of the and below your speed is that all relevant.

And also, something that says that 14% of people in the age group 18 to 22 like this

student on Facebook is that relevant.

What I need to know is how fast am I driving it right.

So, again it only shows me how fast am I driving.

It does not show me anything for me anything which is not needed correct.

I do not have to do anything to get that information I can look at it at the answer I can look

at it at the corner of my eye and I will get the information.

And it is all there on one screen.

So, to me and somebody defines a dashboard this principle has to be critical.

If you have to do all of these activities and you are throwing all this stuff onto a

dashboard and then you are going to crash the car.

The same way you put that on a business dashboard is useless and my personal favourite can be

a real-time dashboard.

A real-time cannot be a dashboard is meant where you look at it you glance at it you

get information and then you go do what you have to do.

A real-time is something that you are monitoring.

If there is a reason to monitor something real-time, we should not be a dashboard it

should be an entity.

So, so these are all important things to consider when you design a dashboard.

To me, I just absolutely love this definition right because it hits every single aspect

of what a dashboard should be and what it should not be right.

It should be at the number of times I have seen dashboard design with a tabular display

where you have to scroll.

I mean scroll some tell me this whole idea of the dashboard is so that you know I can

put multiple matters on display at the same time.

So, that I can say this is going down understood.

Now if you put tabs then by definition, they are not on the same page yes if you have to

scroll by the deficient amount on the same page and then what was the intent of food?

So, and this is how one trap people fall into when designing dashboards right essentially

is this.

You will design a dashboard and it starts off with a nice simple concept like this.

Then somebody will come back and say hey why do not we draw our social media data on top

of that?

why do not we draw our HR headcount data top on that, why do not we draw that also right

then they need to get called an executive dashboard and you know what they feel proud

of it for the fact that every carrier is this plan on one dashboard.

It does not make sense at all correct.

So, the director of IIT, Madras wants to see the dashboard.

He wants to see how many students are enrolled how many faculty are there how many support

staff what is your cost running operating cost incidents etcetera.

He does not need to know what the GPA of the distribution of GPA of students was and you

know how many students ah you know were absent for a particular class.

He just needs to know all that.

So, you have to think about those things and not try to overturn them with information.

And then so they can do that correct.

So, are you suggesting that before we design a dashboard there has to be some kind of a

Pareto analysis saying figure out what is most?

Actually, yes, I know it is not a question of Pareto analysis right because you know

the problem with Pareto is earlier than you know it is a question of arbitrarily where

it draws a line.

You have to go back and say what is the purpose of this dashboard yes and what do you need

to put there that helps the user of the dashboard achieve that precisely yes nothing else.

It is not a Pareto.

So, let us say the purpose of the dashboard is I just want to look at one metric and one

metric only then only that does not show anything else.

So, what would be the basic design principle of a dashboard?

So, which means I do not know it is very similar to the same thing right the dashboard I mean

even while I have a picture here even this is a very cluttered dashboard in my opinion.

But it helps highlight the point.

So, what we will say is that you will show the big picture.

So, there are a glad you will see certain critical things and you know there is some

color-coded red yellow green whatever you want to have that to draw attention.

You know use colours you can zoom in on specific correct and then from there, you will provide

a link to say here you know if you want to see more details you click here and you will

it will take elsewhere to look at the other details.

So, do not cramp other details into the dashboard.

That should be simple.

So, which means I see it I should see the big picture, this one gets a sense of the

metrics in some nice suitable display.

If you want to sort of revenue you may want to just show only the revenue or sometimes

you will say look let me show you the trend of the revenue as well I think because the

trend is also important.

No problem but I can zoom in I can expand it and then I can click to get into supporting

detail.

Now, why is this happening?

Why is that happening?

And many other dashboards support that.

Now that is in this case it might be a data warehouse monitoring dashboard.

So, you can click that I say I see something wrong with the data warehouse system I will

click that I go to the data warehouse dashboard correct.

I see something wrong with the you know website I will go up and look at the website having

the dashboard.

So, yes there are long as big questions asked?

Whenever somebody looks at a dashboard question should be raised correct one is what happens.

But the solution to those answering those questions is completely separate dashboard

only those questions I have heard people say that right when they say I understand that

a glance or you should answer all the potential questions that have been covered?

No, it should not.

You should have additional information additional link additional accessible information that

answers those questions but that is separate if you called that separately.

You are trying to cram all that into the dashboard essentially you get you would mess all over

the place like no you cannot drive the car you are only you are spending all your time

reading the dashboard.

That is what happens.

So, that was the basic understanding but essentially our dashboards are you suggesting that there

should be a separate dashboard for finance and there should be a separate dashboard for

marketing but you are saying we are not saying that at all we are saying find out the purpose

design in dashboard correct.

So, typically yes for instance since you brought a finance marketing, that is a CEO dashboard

that we come up with which will give some key metrics.

Now there might be one or two critical metrics or that will show over things that will show

up for representing finance and marketing.

The details so far as I might want to say how much do I spend on marketing this month.

The CEO dashboard I might not say how much was spent in Tamil Nadu versus Karnataka versus

Kerala it is a separate market and if you say look looks like your spend of monthly

spend this increase in your marketing why is that happening?

You may have a separate dashboard look over the last few months we will increase a lot

of spending in Kerala in South India which is why it is increasing.

We have launched a new product and that is why we are spending more you know one of the

things I should also emphasize video talking about marketing and this one and more correct.

So, purpose and more or less one more thing I should emphasize talking about marketing

and this one.

When you design especially when you use colours correct accessibility becomes a big issue.

Why so, for instance typically it is very common to use red, green, and yellow to highlight

metrics that are good, bad, or need monitoring correctly.

What happens if the person reading the dashboard happens, we can?

So, then your red-yellow-green and if they have red-green colour blindness you lost the

fundamental premise of why you are highlighting it red in green.

So, there has to be designed for accessibility and red, yellow, green is universally accepted

for good balance right.

So, but then you have to have the ability to be able to customize it or at least end-user

to come back and say look I have a certain visual impairment and it should switch over

to 3 Different colours that are easily distinguishable but at the same time even for somebody who

I colour blind.

And in fact, when we got a lot of websites, they give you colour palettes that ah while

they may not appear to be the same colours as you see it to a colourblind person they

will appear they are guaranteed to appear as distinct colours so for different types

of colour blindness.

So, sometimes you know choosing the palette is also important right.

And then I saw him.

So, when I saw this red that is the first thing that struck me you know what if the

person here, I am looking at it when colour blind they will not know to understand between

which system is red and which system is green.

And you know as fundamental and communication error that could be right correct.

So, you are right.

So, to the point right that you have to have these kinds of high level and then break down

dashboards and then you know further breakdowns and things like that.

And you can always have them on link interlink where if a question comes up you can always

pull up the other dashboard and then dig.

But do not try to bring everything into the same dashboard, correct.

Thank you Annad thank you for your insights that does help in understanding why visualization

is important and once you have understood the purpose how to go about doing it?

So, thanks a lot, and hopefully this session is helpful.

So, thank you, now always a pleasure for her anytime happy to help thank you.

So, let us end the session here.