The Data Visualization Blog

Choosing Typeface Quadrigram editor offers twenty different typefaces. Whether it is for a web article or a slide presentation, the shape and structure of your text is important. While there are many categories for typefaces, there are two which stand out, serif and sans-serif. Serif typefaces are recognized by the vertical and horizontal lines at… Read more »

Understanding the Type of Data As covered in a previous blog post, identifying the type and amount of variables in a dataset is key to choosing the right chart type. Scatter plots are useful for exploring relationships through use of two or three variables.  Lets begin by exploring the following dataset: The dataset above looks at different… Read more »

When it comes to visualization, color is king. It is a critical component of data visualization. Applying the right color can go a long way. It is the difference between a good visualization and a bad one. Using color helps ensure your audience is able to effectively parse out the information in your data. One… Read more »

Reading Data It is possible to select charts if working only with a single variable. That is a dataset containing a single column of data. For example: In this case, we only have a single variable. The id defined in the first column of the first row. This indicates the subject, or the type of… Read more »

Chart Selection Basics Data Visualization is its own art form. But like any art form, the difference between novice and a master lies in having a deep understanding of the fundamentals. In this section, we will cover the basics of data visualization by looking at the mechanics and individual elements needed to visualize data. Having… Read more »

Every chef has their mise en place, the necessary ingredients needed to make an incredible meal. The process for visualizing data is no different. To make a great “meal” you need the freshest ingredients, and the elements laid out to begin “cooking”. Here we’ve made a list of some of our favorite resources to help you get… Read more »

Designing for Interaction One of the advantages of Quadrigram is its built-in interactive features that give your audience greater control over the story you are presenting. Clicking on the data points allows your users to see more closely whats happening. When making an interactive data story, the question then becomes, how do you know when… Read more »

Comparative Proportions It shows evolution of variables over time, adjusting its shapes to the ranking of the variables at any given point in time. It is used as an alternative to to Line Charts and Area Chart. The three of them work with the same data layout, a “discrete temporal” variable in axis “X” and… Read more »

Getting Started Infographics are graphic representations of data designed  to be understood from the get-go. They are designed to grab  your viewers’ attention quickly and easily. While there is no right or wrong way of making an infographic, this post explores four elements that will help you get the most out of creating your visual… Read more »

A type of chart that displays information as a series of data points called “markers” connected by straight segments. It is one of the most used charts and it’s similar to a scatterplot except that the measurement points are ordered and joined with straight line segments. What are Line Charts good for? It’s normally used… Read more »