Visual Analytics

In a recent article penned by Gartner I came across an interesting concept in data visualization describing how to get more business value from data visualization.

Most organizations adopt data visualization but struggle to visually represent the data in a way that maximizes its business value.

Data and analytics leaders should invest more in the process of visualizing and analysing data as “an analytics journey” from which users will get the desired output?

They explain that delivering a data visualization experience is one of the core defining attributes of modern BI platforms. To a very large extent, it was the rise of intuitive, interactive data visualization functionality that triggered and drove the multiyear transition of BI from IT led reporting to modern, agile, business-led analytics.?

Interactive data visualization functionality has become the new normal, a commodity available in pretty much all modern analytics and BI platforms. There is even an emerging standard for the business use of charting. ?

And further, just because data visualization is common in organizations does not mean those organizations are necessarily getting as much value from it as they could. Often, only parts of a tool’s capabilities are used. Like all technology, modern BI platforms require a certain level of data literacy, but this can be very limited in some organizations. And the sharing experience of data visualization is restricted by data governance and- corporate policy. ?

Gartner explains that, the context for modern BI platforms’ application is expanding to include new use cases, including data storytelling. Like many other areas, data visualization is being positively impacted by the rise of smart, assistive approaches that have the potential to enrich and expand the user experience. But the lack of good practices around data visualization can impact return on investment.?

What’s happening?

The depth of usage of modern analytics and business intelligence tools is often limited, which constricts organizations’ ability to derive in-depth insights from them. Organizations are using modern tools to replicate traditional outputs, such as dashboards with lagging indicators, which lack analytical insights.?

Gartner explains that, the adoption of data visualization by decision makers is low, and their reluctance to embrace it remains a stubborn blocker to organizations’ efforts to become data driven.?

The implication of a limited approach to data visualization is that organizations are missing opportunities to find, communicate and act on important data insights.?

Some users within organizations will have lower levels of data literacy than others, so providing the right training in visual analytics will be important if organizations are to improve in this area.?

What to do?

• In Gartner’s opinion, Data and analytics leaders in charge of analytics and BI solutions should apply new thinking and approaches to data visualization so that it is seen as the destination of a visual analytics journey.
• They explain that actions to be taken by business leaders should include:Expanding the usage of data visualization for self-service users by tasking data and analytics teams with building training programs for them.
• Encouraging data collaboration by using large- format displays.
• Analytics leaders- should pilot high-impact business use cases by storytelling with infographics and they should
• Automate the process of visualizing and analysing data by using augmented analytics.

So how can organizations maximize value from data visualization? Gartner recommends

1. Train Users in Visual Analytics to Get More Insight
2. Use Big Screens to Make Data Visualization a Team Sport
3. Enable Storytelling for High-Impact Use Cases by Making Use of Targeted Infographic Styles
4. Automate Visualizing and Analysing Data by Using Augmented Analytics

(Source: Gartner)