Analyzing and Graphing Data

By: Jordan Remillard

Tips and tricks for designing successful graphs. 

What are graphs? 
It seems like a simple question that anyone could answer. They are an easy way to represent data.  

While the question is simple, the information that is shared through graphs is not always. In today’s world of constant communication, being able to understand data provided by an audience is crucial. ​ 

For example, when setting up a website for a company, you want to understand who the prospective audience is, who is interested in what is being shared, and what actions users take to interact with you online. This analytical data helps creators understand how to build their online presence. ​

With such data, media analytics can create graphs for easier visualization and interpretation. 

The most common types of graphs used are bar graphs, scatter plot, table, line graphs, and pie charts. 

• Bar graphs show comparisons
  • For example, how many users are on the site during the day versus at night.

 

• Scatter plots show correlations ​​​
  • For example, how many users visited each month throughout the year

• Tables show precise values 
  • For example, how much money is generated from each post

• Line graphs show trends and patterns 
  • For example, the number of products sold each month

 

• Pie charts show proportion
  • For example, what percentage each age demographics that viewers make-up

When creating and presenting graphs, it is important to keep in mind that visual appeal helps to keep the audience engaged. Color is a huge appeal to the audience but it is important to keep the following tips in mind when sharing your data.

• One of the biggest mistakes people make when creating graphs is using the color red. Red has a negative connotation to it such as anger or hate. For example, when a paper is revised, usually the corrections are done in red to show where improvement is needed. 
• Highlighting can add emphasis to important data and signify where the audience should draw their attention. Highlighting avoids having the audience guess significant information or spend time searching for it. 
• Utilizing color gradients can help signify change over time. This feature makes it easier on the eyes rather than harsh color blocking. Shading from lightest to darkest can signify progression and indicate how earlier data becomes less relevant.
• Use one to three different colors that are easy to differentiate. Using colors too close in shade can be confusing. 

If you are looking to get started on creating visual data, there are numerous programs online to help get you started. Here are just a few:
Flourish is a paid program but they do offer a free demo.
Plotly does require payment but a free trial is available.
Tableau also requires payment but there is a free trial is available and it is free for students and educators. 
Datawrapper is available free and paid version.

With this basic understanding of how to capture your audience's attention with data from your audience, go on and test your graphing skills!  ​