Lecture 6 | Theory of Data Graphics I

Max Pellert

IS 616: Large Scale Data Analysis and Visualization

Theory of Data Graphics

  • Show the data

  • Induce the viewer to think about the substance rather than about methodology, graphic design, the technology of graphic production, or something else

  • Avoid distorting what the data have to say

  • Present many numbers in a small space

  • Make large data sets coherent

  • Encourage the eye to compare different pieces of data

  • Reveal the data at several levels of detail, from a broad overview to the fine structure

  • Serve a reasonably clear purpose: description, exploration, tabulation, or decoration

  • Be closely integrated with the statistical and verbal descriptions of a data set.

Principles of graphical excellence

Principles of graphical excellence

The principles

Avoid distorting what the data have to say: The Lie Factor