Why to decide on them, and tips on how to create them

Did you realize that each one Formula 1 cars must incorporate a big wood plank as one in every of their components?

A wood plank?

Yes, indeed!

Formula 1 cars utilize a wood plank, the “skid block,” positioned underneath the automotive. This ensures the automotive’s height stays throughout the legally mandated limits during races. Furthermore, the plank serves as a critical safety feature, sacrificing scraping against the track to shield the automotive’s essential components from potential damage when contacting curbs. Importantly, its impact on performance is minimal. The skid block is crafted from a composite material of wood and fibers and is designed to wear at a gentle pace.¹

Why do I mention this? This anecdote highlights that even a technologically advanced field akin to Formula 1 can effectively utilize a (theoretically) easy component . This parallel extends to the realm of information visualization. As I actually have argued on quite a few occasions, most data-driven insights could be adeptly communicated using three basic chart types: bar chart, line chart, and pie chart.

But what if these three types fall in need of capturing the essence of the phenomenon we’re attempting to clarify? Or what if we employ multiple easy charts as an alternative of a single, but barely more complex, one? Or, returning to our F1 example, we simply decided to interchange wood with carbon fiber and draw something more fancy? On this post, I’ll explore the alternatives available to it’s best to such scenario occur.

The goal is to offer an outline of other data visualization forms. So, I’m going to speak about chart options beyond the standard triumvirate of bar, line, and pie charts, which I consider the default alternative for many cases anyway.

That said, I fully recognize the wealth of other visualization options which can be available. I often think about using them when the traditional trio doesn’t fit the bill. Here, I’ll introduce you to a collection of visualization forms that I find particularly beneficial. I may also guide you thru some…