How can you choose the best format for presenting data in a portfolio?

1 Know your audience

The first step to choosing the best format for presenting data in your portfolio is to know your audience. Who are they? What are their goals, needs, and expectations? How familiar are they with your data and your domain? How much time and attention do they have to review your portfolio? These questions will help you tailor your data presentation to suit your audience's preferences, level of expertise, and interest.

2 Choose your purpose

The second step to choosing the best format for presenting data in your portfolio is to choose your purpose. What are you trying to communicate with your data? What is the main message or insight that you want to convey? How do you want your audience to feel or act after seeing your data? These questions will help you define your data presentation objectives, tone, and style.

3 Select your format

The third step to choosing the best format for presenting data in your portfolio is to select your format. There are many different formats, such as tables, charts, graphs, maps, dashboards, infographics, slides, reports, stories, and videos. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the type, size, and complexity of your data as well as your audience and purpose. To help you choose the right format for your data, here are some general guidelines: tables are best for displaying precise numbers or comparing values; charts and graphs show trends, patterns, relationships, or distributions; maps present spatial or geographic data; dashboards provide summaries of multiple data sources; infographics combine data, text, and visuals in a creative way; slides present data in a linear structure; reports are detailed and comprehensive; and stories present data in a narrative way.

4 Design your presentation

The fourth step to choosing the best format for presenting data in your portfolio is to design your presentation. This involves applying the principles of data visualization, such as choosing the right colors, fonts, shapes, symbols, labels, legends, titles, captions, and annotations. It also involves following the best practices of data presentation, such as using clear and concise language, highlighting the key points, providing context and explanation, adding interactivity and feedback, and ensuring accuracy and credibility.

5 Test your presentation

The fifth step to choosing the best format for presenting data in your portfolio is to test your presentation. This involves checking your presentation for errors, inconsistencies, and ambiguities, as well as evaluating its effectiveness, usability, and accessibility. You can test your presentation by yourself, by asking for feedback from others, or by using online tools and platforms. Testing your presentation will help you identify and fix any issues, as well as improve and refine your data presentation.

6 Update your presentation

The sixth and final step to choosing the best format for presenting data in your portfolio is to update your presentation. This involves keeping your presentation up to date, relevant, and fresh, by adding new data, removing outdated data, or changing the format, design, or content of your presentation. You can update your presentation periodically, or whenever you have a new opportunity, project, or goal. Updating your presentation will help you showcase your current skills, achievements, and interests, as well as attract and impress your potential employers, clients, or collaborators.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?