Data Visualization

In depth

Data visualization turns raw numbers into visual elements that match the way our brains recognize patterns: lines for trends, bars for comparisons, points for relationships, and colour or size to show magnitude.

To present a clear message, good visualizations focus on simplicity and scale, use consistent labelling, and minimize clutter.

Charts and diagrams serve different analytical purposes. Line charts reveal trends over time, bar charts compare categories, scatter plots show correlations and outliers, and tables excel at making complex information easier to understand. Design elements such as axis scale, aggregation type, and colour palette all have an impact, so make sure your choices improve the presentation and readability.

Pro tip

Match the chart type to the question you want to answer. For example, to find an outlier, use a series chart and a normal range or a scatter plot rather than a single aggregated number. Always label axes and include context (time ranges, units, sample size) so readers can judge accuracy and relevance.

Why Data Visualization matters

You make faster decisions when information is presented in a format that’s easier for your brain to quickly process. Visualization reduces the time spent hunting through spreadsheets, helps you detect data quality issues and anomalies earlier, and aligns teams around a single, easily-understood view of performance.

Data Visualization - In practice

• Spot a sales slump: A line chart with annotations reveals when a sales metric trended down and by how much.
• Find outliers: A scatter plot or line chart highlights values that sit outside the expected range.
• Prioritize action: A heatmap of product usage shows which features are driving engagement and which need attention.
• Share decisions: Dashboards combine related visuals so stakeholders can quickly see the full picture.

Data Visualization and PowerMetrics

With support for 30+ visualization types and dashboard layouts, PowerMetrics gives you lots of options for imaginative, purposeful data visualization. From a single metric, you can create multiple versions (or views) of your data by applying different chart and style options. With PowerMetrics, it’s easy to create the right visual for every question you need answered.