Analyzing and Visualizing Data
Chapter 10
Composition
Features of Composition
Layout
Arranging
Sizing
Influencing Factors and Considerations
Medium
Quantitative value range
Editorial thinking
Data representation
Summary
Features of Composition
Layout: What is the visual hierarchy of your project? Making decisions about the relative size and placement of all your visual elements, including charts, interactive controls and annotations.
Arranging: Concerning the ordering and direction of your data content as it is displayed within a chart with different options including alphabetical, chronological, locational, ordinal and ranked sorting.
Sizing: Ways of astutely using the technique of small multiples and correct approach to sizing charts through axis-scale ranges for different chart types.
Summary cont.
Influencing Factors and Considerations
If these were the options, how did you make your choices? The influencing factors included:
Medium: What space have you got to work within?
Quantitative value range: What is the minimum and maximum value range and are there legitimate outliers (large or small) that will skew the distribution of values and create challenges for accommodating them?
Editorial thinking: How many different angles (charts) might you need to include? Is there any specific hierarchy of importance or sequence that needs to be conveyed?
Data representation: All charts have a spatial consequence and have varied structures and sizing requirements that will need to be accommodated.
Elegant design: The unity of your layout, offering a seamless visual journey to the viewer, is another contributing factor that will create elegance in your work.
Questions?
