What Makes A Good Data Visualization?

Hi there. I’m David McCandless, creator of this site and author of two infographic mega-tomes, Information is Beautiful (2009) and Knowledge is Beautiful (2014).

I’ve created a lot of data and information visualizations. Around 540 over six years. (An eye-bleeding, marriage-crumpling average of 1.7 per week). There are 196 in my new book, Knowledge is Beautiful (out now). Yes I sometimes have dataviz dreams.

This graphic visualises the four elements I think are necessary for a successful “good” visualization. i.e. one that works.

All four elements in his graphic seem essential. With just two, you get something prototypical and sketchy – which is okay if you’re at an early stage. With three, the end result is strangely lacking.

See how, interestingly, if you combine information & function & visual form without story, you get “boring”. Something that looks good but isn’t that interesting.

Similarly, if you combine visuals, information & story without considering functionality and your goal, you get something useless.

These elements form the backbone of my process and also what I teach in my dataviz workshops.

I’m not really a follow-this-system type of person. But this is just me thinking aloud in visuals. Let me know your thoughts and reflections. Email or comment below.

Thanks,
David