How can you use data visualization to think critically?

1 Why data visualization matters

Data visualization can help you think critically by enabling you to see patterns, trends, outliers, and relationships in data that might otherwise be hidden or unclear. By using visual elements, such as colors, shapes, sizes, and positions, you can highlight the most important or relevant information and draw attention to potential problems or opportunities. Data visualization can also help you compare and contrast different data sets, scenarios, or perspectives, and evaluate the validity and reliability of your data sources and methods.

2 How to choose the right data visualization

Choosing the right data visualization for your data and your purpose is crucial to think critically. You need to consider the type, size, and structure of your data, as well as the message, audience, and context of your communication. For example, if you want to show the distribution of a single variable, you might use a histogram or a box plot. If you want to show the relationship between two or more variables, you might use a scatter plot or a line chart. If you want to show the composition or proportion of a whole, you might use a pie chart or a stacked bar chart.

3 How to design effective data visualization

Designing effective data visualization requires more than just choosing the right type of chart or graph. You also need to apply some principles of visual design, such as contrast, alignment, balance, and hierarchy, to make your data visualization clear, coherent, and appealing. You need to avoid clutter, confusion, and distortion, and use colors, fonts, labels, legends, and titles appropriately. You also need to follow some ethical guidelines, such as respecting the data, being honest and transparent, and acknowledging the limitations and uncertainties of your data visualization.

4 How to interpret data visualization

Interpreting data visualization means going beyond the surface level and asking questions about what the data visualization shows and what it does not show. You need to examine the data visualization critically and analytically, and look for evidence, assumptions, arguments, and implications. You need to check the accuracy, relevance, and completeness of the data and the data visualization, and identify any biases, errors, or gaps. You also need to compare and contrast different data visualizations and sources, and seek alternative or complementary views and perspectives.

5 How to use data visualization for decision making

Using data visualization for decision making means applying your critical thinking skills to solve problems, answer questions, or achieve goals based on the data and the data visualization. You need to define your problem or question clearly and precisely, and gather and organize relevant data and data visualizations. You need to analyze and evaluate the data and the data visualization, and generate and test possible solutions or hypotheses. You need to communicate and justify your decision or answer, and monitor and review the outcomes and feedback.

6 How to improve your data visualization skills

Improving your data visualization skills is a continuous and lifelong process that requires practice, feedback, and reflection. You need to expose yourself to different types and examples of data and data visualizations, and learn from the best practices and the mistakes of others. You need to experiment with different tools and techniques, and seek feedback and critique from your peers and mentors. You need to reflect on your own data visualization process and outcomes, and identify your strengths and weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

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?