Overview

Data visualization is an approach to communicating facts, ideas, and insights as charts. It offers users a simple way to perceive, understand, and make data-based decisions.

There are two basic types of data visualization: data-driven and conceptual.

Data-driven

Depicts data to inform and promote understanding of patterns and trends. In data-driven visualization, you tend to focus on a narrow audience or purpose and help them acquire insight from data and make decisions based on them.

The data-driven visualization forms the bulk of visualizations under the Open OS and is the main focus of the WPP DS documentation.

Conceptual

Conveys ideas and explains concepts or relationships. In conceptual data visualization, you often use metaphors and simple graphics to help facilitate understanding or encourage discussions and brainstorming.

Look through our data visualization design checklist for ideas on visualizing data for specific audiences and purposes.