This document discusses data visualization and provides guidance on conceptualizing, designing, and choosing visualization tools. It covers visualization layers and architecture, different types of visualizations suited to different data and purposes, guidelines for effective design, trends in visualization tools, and factors to consider when selecting a business intelligence tool. The key takeaways are to understand the data and purpose of the visualization, choose the right visual type, keep the design simple and consistent, and thoroughly evaluate tools based on organizational needs.

1. Data Visualisation
Alan Robson
28th May, 2012

2. Summary
• Conceptual Architecture
• Visualisation Cookbook
• Tools and Trends
• Choosing a Tool

3. Conceptual Architecture
Visualisation Layer
Connection Layer
Extract Transform Load
Data Sources
Web ERP CRM
Data Warehouse
Ops HR EPOS

4. A Few Possible Visualisations
How do we choose?

5. What are you trying to show?
• Summary / Snapshot
• Analysis / Breakdown
• Comparison / Benchmarking
• Relationship / Correlation
• Distribution / Range
• Trend / Projection / Pattern

6. Analysis
Summary Comparison
What are you
trying to show?
Trend Relationship Distribution

7. What Kind Of Data?
• Time based
– Small number of periods
– Large number of periods
• Non-Time based (Static)
• Number of Variables or Categories
– Single
– Dual
– Multiple

8. Some Guidelines on Design
• Simplicity
– Avoid visual clutter
• Consistency
– Colours
– Navigation
– Layout
– Terminology
• Reporting / Highlighting by Exception
– Draw user to important / urgent issues
• Is it Intuitive?

9. Gartner Magic Quadrant

10. Visualisation Tool Trends
• Self Service
• Mobile
• SaaS / Cloud

11. Which BI Tool is Right for Us?
• Some Considerations
– Cost
– Application System Landscape
– IT Strategy
– Future Reporting Requirements
– Inhouse IT Technical Competencies
– User Competencies
– Support Model
– Functionality

12. Summary
• Know what you are trying to show, understand
the data
• Choose the right visualisation
• Keep it Simple, Consistent
• Report Exception – avoid overload
• Consider all aspects when choosing a vendor

13. Thank You
Alan Robson
arobson@methys.com
07775 626130
Business Intelligence
Financial Reporting
Financial Reporting Systems
BusinessIntelligence
Energy Solutions
Web Intelligence
Mobile Apps
E-commerce
Mobile Apps
Web Development
E-Commerce
Energy Intelligence