Refine Module

Overview

In this stage of the data visualization process, Graphic design methods are used to further clarify the representation by calling more attention to particular data (establishing hierarchy) or by changing attributes (such as color) that contribute to readability.

Task: Enhance the visualization(s) created in the Represent Stage.

Key Concepts

Best Practices for visualizations
  1. Keep it simple
  2. Know your audience
  3. Label axis, provide an informative title

Best Practices for Using Color
  1. Use color to create associations
  2. Use a single color to show continuous data
  3. Use contrasting colors to show comparison/contrast
  4. Use color to make important information stand out
  5. Don’t pick colors that aren’t easily distinguishable
  6. Don’t use too many colors
  7. If you have 2D data do not use a 3D format to represent the data

Do This Not That - Data Visualizations Before and After    

Practice Quiz

Instructions
Choose an answer and hit 'Next Question'. You will receive your score and answers at the end of the quiz.
Download Quiz
Click on "Download" to save a copy of the practice quiz.

Worksheet

Practice the module by completing the worksheet and revise what you learnt.

Refine Worksheet


Self Assessment

Complete this assessment to demonstrate your current knowledge of the Refine stage:

Prerequisites: Make sure to finish the following tasks before working on this assessment.

Refine Self Assessment


Review

Horizonal assessment of the refine stage across the data visualization process mapped to Bloom’s Taxonomy of Hierarchical Learning

What you should know:

Bloom’s Taxonomy Hierarchy You should know
Remember What happens in the Refine stage.
Understand What stages are impacted by the Refine stage.
Apply Methods and techniques to make visualizations better.
Evaluate The advantages and disadvantages of the changes made.
Analysis Explain the rationale for the features that were refined.
Create Generate, produce and/or improve the visualization.


Basic things you should know

  1. Data Vis Project
  2. Data visualization should be audience-specific with a clear requirement.
  3. Choose the right data visualization for your data.
  4. Keep your visualizations simple.
  5. Label your data visualizations.
  6. Understand the importance of text in charts.
  7. Use colors effectively in data visualizations.
  8. Avoid deceiving with your visualizations.


What you should be able to do:

Bloom’s Taxonomy Hierarchy You should be able to do
Remember Describe what happens in the refine stage
Understand Describe what stages are impacted by the refine stage and how.
Apply Implement some method(s) or technique(s) to make the visualization better.
Evaluate Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the changes made.
Analysis Explain the rationale for the features that were refined.
Create Generate, produce and/or improve the visualization.
Tips to improve your data visualization design.


You are here:
  • Acquire
  • Parse
  • Mine
  • Sketching & Ideation
  • Filter
  • Represent
  • Critique
  • Refine
  • Interact




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