Why data visualization matters

Question: Fill in the blank: Data visualization is the _____ of data.

A. filtered view

B. updated structure

C. final analysis

D. graphical representation

The correct answer is D. graphical representation. Explain: Data visualization is the graphical representation of data.

What are the four elements of effective data visualization according to David McCandless?

A. Information (data), goal (concept), business task (function), and visual form (story)

B. Information (data), topic (concept), goal (function), and visual form (story)

C. Information (data), story (concept), goal (function), and visual form (metaphor)

D. Information (data), story (concept), business task (goal), and visual form (metaphor)

The correct answer is C. Explain: The four elements of effective data visualization are the information (data), the story (concept), the goal (function), and the visual form (metaphor); a successful data visualization must have all four elements.

Connecting images with data

Question: A bar graph has an x-axis and a y-axis. Describe the difference between the two. Select all that apply.

• The x-axis is used to represent categories, time periods, or other variables. The y-axis usually has a scale of values for variables
• The x-axis usually has a scale of values for variables. The y-axis is used to represent categories, time periods, or other variables
• The x-axis is a horizontal line. The y-axis is a vertical line
• The x-axis is a vertical line. The y-axis is a horizontal line

Explain: The x-axis is a horizontal line used to represent categories, time periods, or other variables. The y-axis is a vertical line that usually has a scale of values for variables.

A recipe for a powerful visualization

Question: Correlation charts can show relationships among data, but they don’t necessarily reveal an instance of causation. What is causation?

A. When an action directly leads to an outcome

B. When a side effect or ramification happens after an event

C. When two or more outcomes are incompatible

D. When two events relate to one another, but one doesn’t necessarily cause the other

The correct answer is A. When an action directly leads to an outcome. Explain: Causation, or a cause-effect relationship, occurs when an action directly leads to an outcome.

Elements of art

Question: In data visualizations, colors are described by their hue, intensity, and value. The hue is the color. Intensity is how bright or dull the color is. What is the value?

A. The color’s distinctness from other colors

B. The highlights within the color

C. The mood set by the color

D. The color’s lightness or darkness

The correct answer is D. The color’s lightness or darkness. Explain: The value is how light or dark the color is in a visualization. Value indicates how much light is being reflected.

Data visualization impact

Question: Data visualizations have three essential elements: clear meaning, a sophisticated use of contrast, and refined execution. What is refined execution?

A. Separating the most important data from the rest

B. Clearly communicating insights

C. Deep attention to detail

D. Providing visual context

The correct answer is C. Deep attention to detail. Explain: Refined execution means paying deep attention to detail. This is done by using visual elements such as lines, shapes, colors, value, space, and movement.

Design thinking and visualizations

Question: Fill in the blank: Design thinking is a process used to solve complex problems in a _____ way.

A. user-centric

B. creative

C. clear-cut

D. unique

Explain: Design thinking is a process used to solve complex problems in a user-centric way. User-centricity means considering the user and their needs first.

Headlines, subtitles, and labels

Question: Fill in the blank: A _____ supports a headline by adding more context and description.

A. subtitle

B. graphic

C. caption

D. label

Explain: A subtitle supports the headline by adding more context and description. Subtitles add more information about the data visualization after the headline.

Accessible visualizations

Red-green color blindness is the most common and occurs when red and green look like the same color. You can avoid placing green on red or red on green in your visualizations.

Blue-yellow color blindness is less common and occurs when it is difficult to tell the difference between blue and green, or yellow and red. You can also avoid using these colors on top of or next to each other.

For more information, refer to these resources:

• Types of Color Blindness
• Web Accessibility Guidelines, Contrast & Color

Question: What is involved with designing with an accessibility mindset? Select all that apply.

• Create alternative ways for your audience to access and interact with your data
• Think about your audience ahead of time
• Focus on simple, easy to understand visuals
• Rely solely on well-chosen color to convey information

Explain: Designing with an accessibility mindset involves thinking about your audience ahead of time; focusing on simple, easy to understand visuals; and creating alternative ways for your audience to access and interact with your data.