How To Choose the Right Data Visualization Tool
While these tools come in all shapes and sizes, the best ones have a few things in common.
The best ones are easy to use.
The most popular data visualization tools have pre-built templates to help you create stunning but easy-to-understand graphs, charts, and maps.
The best visualization tools offer free tutorials, blogs, forums, groups, and other resource materials to improve user experience.
The best visualization tools can also create interactive graphical formats with images.
Their versatility makes them applicable to different fields, from business and science to politics and education.
The best software can handle huge data sets, which can display in a single visualization.
And finally, there are cost considerations. While there are free data visualization tools with decent features, you may need the paid version to access more sophisticated capabilities, depending on your needs.
However, higher prices don’t always mean better features and more functions. Consider the tool’s overall value when before paying a premium.
Common Data Visualization Capabilities
While these tools come in all shapes and sizes, most share common (and functional) features.
Here are essential functions to look for when picking your software.
Chart Templates
These are built-in, pre-set designs to help you create a professional-looking visual in an instant. Consequently, this feature is a must-have if you lack graphic design skills.
However, it’s nice to have built-in charts that allow users to customize the fonts, colors, headers, and visual elements.
Interactive Charts
Interactive graphical formats react when you interact with them, meaning you can change critical figures and variables without having to create a different visual for each data analytics.
Mobile Optimization
When your graphs, charts, and maps adapt to the smaller screens of mobile devices, you can deliver an engaging experience to your viewers.
Version History
This feature allows you to view and restore old versions of your visuals, meaning you can simply undo your mistakes without losing data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Uses Data Visualization Tools?
When you hear the term data visualization, chances are you think about companies learning about their customers or probably scientists and researchers who need to present data to a non-technical audience.
Data visualization software has an all-encompassing use. Entrepreneurs, community leaders, non-government organizations, musicians, marketers, educators, and students can use this for better decision-making.
Why Use Data Visualization?
Data visualization tools help you better understand patterns and trends from large and complicated data sets, allowing us to make informed decisions. It also helps organizations share data that even a non-technical audience can easily understand.
What Should You Look For in Data Visualization Software?
The best data visualization tools primarily depend on what you need. However, you should always look for these factors when selecting your software.
- Easy to use and install
- Excellent customer support
- Comes with free user training
- Offers versatility and customization
- Integrations with other tools you’re using
- Secure and reliable
- Robust performance
- Hardware and software requirements of the data analytics tool
- Supports multiple databases
- Value for money
What Are Data Visualization Techniques?
These techniques include understanding your goals, selecting the right chart to present your data, knowing your audience, and using the right visualization tool that caters to your needs.
Is Data Visualization Important?
Almost every organization and industry can use data visualization to be efficient, share relevant information with their audience, and make data-driven decisions.
What Are the Most Common Types of Data Visualizations?
The most common graphical formats used in data visualizations are pie charts, line graphs, area charts, histograms, and heat maps.
The Bottom Line
Without collecting and analyzing data, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to make informed decisions and uncover business trends. Data visualization and analytics always go hand in hand.
If you own an enterprise ecommerce business, data visualization software isn’t the only tool you need. You should also look into ecommerce platforms for enterprises.