How to start your data visualization ?
Which steps to follow to build a successful dataviz?
1. Who is the audience ?
Learn who will be using the dashboard :
It is an expert / an operational OR an analyst OR a decision-maker.
Understand how they will use it :
How much time do they have to make their analysis based on the dashboard ?
Do they need to take decision based on data shared in the dashboard ?
Do not hesitate to interview your users :
Co-create a dashboard will allow you to create efficient ones.
2. Why are you creating a dashboard? For which purpose?
Now, that you know who will be the audience of the dashboard, you can :
Define the kind of decision, users will take thanks to the dashboard.
Then, identify the pain that the dashboard will resolve.
And finally, think about the value your dashboard will bring.
3. What content should be displayed?
Define the exhaustive list of informations useful for the end-user and only those.
Look for the source of your data :
Where are the data stored ?
Do you have access to them ?
Does the data already exist, or do you need to prepare them ?
What frequency of refresh do you need, and does it fit the existing refreshment ?
4. How the data set should be displayed?
Think about how your dashboard should be organized.
Go from overview to details.
Don't try to answer every question in one same single dashboard.
Choose the right visual representation.
What kind of data need to be represented and what are their characteristics?
What kind of visuals can be used regarding the purpose of the dataviz and the data that will be used?
You can use a guide to determine which chart type is best-suited for your data set.
Then
Clarify your message with color and text.