This is how to deal with visualization urges: 6 tips for designing visualizations

Because visualizations within organizations can be created in many ways, the search for the right form is on. Design choices affect the outcome. The content may be seemingly identical, while a powerful design ensures that the message is better understood or comes across better. The following six tips will help in the choice of design. 

Tip 1: Choose a clear target audience for the visualization 

A director does not want complex Excel sheets, while others want to study the details. Therefore, match the message to the target audience. If the target group is organization-wide, make sure it is accessible to everyone and keep it as simple as possible 

Tip 2: Choose the setting in which the visualization should land 

Is it a report from tooling, the report and presentation of a study, a communication message, a drawing on whiteboard or flip chart, a supplement to a quotation, the setting gives direction to the design. A communication message should only be about the message, while a visualization in a quotation should be visually appealing and also support content 

Tip 3: The art of omission 

Ask whether it is really necessary to present certain information. The more information is left out the more focus there is for what is left. This makes a discussion much more specific and gets people thinking in a more focused way 

Tip 4: Within visualizations, use figures instead of text 

If, within a visualization, a word or phrase can be replaced with a figure, it is easier to understand and sticks better. This works the opposite way if the chosen figure is not sufficiently clear, then discussion and ambiguity will arise 

Tip 5: Provide overview within the field of view 

For example, an infographic fits into one page, but if there is a lot on it, the message is lost. On the other hand, if there are more visualizations for the same topic, ask yourself if it cannot be combined in clickable selections, for example 

Tip 6: Use lots of color 

Dark colors are more likely to be boring. Bright colors appeal, but are not always easy to see or it is childish. Therefore, when adding color, always make sure it is the right shape and accessible 

Extra tip: Contact for more considerations for creating powerful visualizations