Data
is the best tool for understanding the world around us, providing it
is organized in a transparent, accurate and structured way.
Pie
charts
(also
called circle
graphs)
compare parts of the whole, showing a percentage distribution. This
type of graphical representation represents the total data set, and
each segment of the pie represents a particular category as part of
the whole. To use a pie chart, the data you are measuring must depict
a percentage relationship or ratio. The basic requirement for
designing this type of chart is that each segment must be calculated
using the same unit of measurement, otherwise the numbers will be
meaningless.
Venn
diagrams
are
often a derivative of pie charts. This type of graphical
representation shows
the
overlaps
between
and/or among sets of data. Each set is represented by a separate
circle. The degree of overlap between the sets is depicted by the
amount of overlap between the circles. A Venn diagram is a good
choice when you want to convey either the common factors or the
differences between distinct groups.
If
we consider all the different forms of flow charts, we can conclude
that they are one of the most common diagrams, used by both technical
and non-technical people in numerous fields. A
flow chart
is
a diagram that depicts a process or system in most cases as a
sequence of actions. Flow charts are widely used in multiple fields
to plan, design, study, document, improve and communicate often
complex processes in clear, easy-to-understand diagrams. Flow charts
use numerous shapes (e.g. squares, rectangles,
ovals, and diamonds)
to define the type of step, along with connecting arrows to define
flow and sequence. They can range from simple, hand-drawn charts to
comprehensive computer-designed diagrams depicting multiple steps and
routes.
Another
form of flow chart is a
concept map.
Concept
maps are visual representations of information. They can take the
form of charts, graphical organizers, tables, flow charts, Venn
diagrams, lines, or charts. Concept maps can be especially useful and
beneficial for effective data presentation. They are a powerful
communication strategy because they help you see the problem in a
wholistic way. Starting with higher-level concepts, concept maps help
the audience to ‘chunk’ information based on meaningful
connections. In other words, knowing the big picture makes details
more significant and easier to remember. Seeing and understanding
relationships between different things, analyzing information, and
comparing and contrasting can be perfectly supported by concept maps.
A
sequence of events, similarly to a concept map, can also be simply
represented by a
tree diagram.
Tree diagrams are particularly useful in probability since they
record all possible outcomes in a clear and uncomplicated manner. A
tree diagram is used most often in mathematics – more specifically,
in probability theory – as a tool to help calculate and provide a
visual representation of probabilities. The outcome of a certain
event can be found at the end of each branch in the tree diagram.
Hundreds
or even thousands of data can be retrieved, ordered and processed if
stored in the right way. A
table
is
a simple and basic but at the same time useful and versatile tool for
organizing information using rows and columns. Tables are used on
their own or they can be used to accompany other data representation
types. Sometimes they are a useful way of presenting textual
information in a condensed form. They compile data and classify them
into groups, thus the processes of comparing, contrasting and
analyzing data are much easier. Every table must have a brief
descriptive title and should be labelled with its source. Tables
should also have lines demarcating different sections (title,
headers, footnotes, etc.). Headings and subheadings should identify
each set of data and show the units of measurement. A tabular
presentation of data helps to display even a large amount of data in
an engaging, easy-to-read and coordinated manner.
