How do you summarize data with graphics?

1 Choose the right graphic

The first step to summarize data with graphics is to choose the right type of graphic for your purpose and audience. Different graphics have different strengths and limitations, and you should match them to your data and message. For example, if you want to show proportions or percentages, you can use a pie chart or a donut chart. If you want to show changes over time, you can use a line chart or a bar chart. If you want to show spatial distribution, you can use a map or a heat map. You should also consider the size, shape, and format of your graphic, and how it will fit in your document or presentation.

3 Interpret your graphic

The third step to summarize data with graphics is to interpret your graphic and explain what it means and why it matters. You should not assume that your audience will automatically understand or appreciate your graphic, and you should provide some context and analysis to support your message. You can use text, such as captions, annotations, or summaries, to highlight the main points, findings, or implications of your graphic. You can also use comparisons, contrasts, or references, to show how your graphic relates to other data or information. You should also acknowledge any limitations, assumptions, or uncertainties in your graphic, and how they affect your interpretation.

4 Evaluate your graphic

The fourth step to summarize data with graphics is to evaluate your graphic and see if it achieves your purpose and meets your audience's needs. You should review your graphic and ask yourself some questions, such as: Does it summarize and visualize your data effectively? Does it convey your message clearly and accurately? Does it capture your audience's attention and interest? Does it suit your document or presentation style and format? Does it follow ethical and professional standards? You can also ask for feedback from others, such as colleagues, peers, or experts, to improve your graphic and make it more useful and persuasive.

5 Learn from examples

The fifth step to summarize data with graphics is to learn from examples and see how others use graphics to summarize and communicate data. You can find many examples of graphics in various sources, such as books, journals, newspapers, websites, blogs, or social media, and you can analyze them and see what works and what doesn't. You can also use online tools, such as Google Charts, Tableau, or Canva, to create and explore different types of graphics and see how they can help you summarize and visualize your data. You can also join online communities, such as Reddit, Quora, or Medium, to share and discuss your graphics and get feedback and inspiration.

6 Practice your skills

The sixth and final step to summarize data with graphics is to practice your skills and apply them to your own data and projects. You can start by collecting and organizing your data, and then choosing, designing, interpreting, and evaluating your graphics. You can also experiment with different graphics and see how they affect your data and message. You can also use graphics to complement or supplement your text, or to create standalone summaries or presentations. You can also challenge yourself by using different data sets, formats, or audiences, and see how you can adapt your graphics accordingly. By practicing your skills, you will be able to summarize data with graphics more confidently and effectively.

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?