Lecture for IT 7123 at Kennesaw State University - updated in 2024.
About Jack Zheng
Faculty of IT at Kennesaw.edu
Data
visual
http www
Data visual
Power BI
Power BI visual
present
chart
Map
table
http www edocr
http learn microsoft
business intelligence
flow list
Tool
Data present
Information
report
card
Data visual http
Lecture for IT 7123 at Kennesaw State University - updated in 2024.
About Jack Zheng
Faculty of IT at Kennesaw.edu
Data
visual
http www
Data visual
Power BI
Power BI visual
present
chart
Map
table
http www edocr
http learn microsoft
business intelligence
flow list
Tool
Data present
Information
report
card
Data visual http
Data Presentation in BI/Analytics Jack G. Zheng Spring 2024 http://zheng.kennesaw.edu/teaching/it7123 IT 7123 BI Overview • Basic methods of presenting data – Textual – Structured (flow list, grid, table, card) – Graphical (data visualization) • Selected Power BI visuals for data presentation Data visualization has become a significant part in analytics and business intelligence. In IT 7123 we only briefly touch the topic. For more coverage on data visualization and dashboard design, see • IT 7113 Data Visualization http://idi.kennesaw.edu/it7113/ • Data Visualization Lecture Notes Serials https://www.edocr.com/user/jgzheng/collection/datavisualizationlecturenotes Data/Information Presentation Data presentation is the method to summarize, organize, and communicate data (raw or analysis results) using a variety of tools. Data can be presented in one of the three forms: text, tables, and/or graphs. The selection of the method of presentation depends on the type of data, method of analysis, and type of information sought from the data. 3 Key reading: • https://www.toppr.com/guides/economics/presentation-of-data/textual-and-tabular-presentation-of-data/ • https://www.toppr.com/guides/business-economics-cs/descriptive-statistics/diagrammatic-presentation-of-data/ Textual Narratives and articles, with lengthier discussions. Popular in news and story modes. This is generally more aligned with data visualization. Structured layout: table, grid, flow list, cards charts maps diagrams Textual Presentation • Textual presentation of data means presenting data in the form of words, sentences and paragraphs. • The textual presentation of data is used when the data is not large and can be easily comprehended by the reader just when he reads the paragraph. • This data presentation is useful when some qualitative statement is to be supplemented with key data that is directly supporting the statement. • An advantage of the textual form is the content can be delivered through voice • Various textual forms – Paragraph – Bulleted/numbered list • Use examples – News – Story mode – Reporting highlights https://finance.yahoo.com/news/exxon-mobil-rides-again-tech-205233533.html https://investor.bankofamerica.com/fixed-income Fixed Income Investor Materials Textual Presentation in Power BI • Power BI offers “smart narratives” • Use smart narrative summaries in your reports to address key takeaways, to point out trends, and to edit the language and format for a specific audience. • In PowerPoint, instead of pasting a screenshot of your report's key takeaways, you can add narratives that are updated with every refresh. • Your audience can use the summaries to understand the data, get to key points faster, and explain the data to others. • Resources – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power- bi/create-reports/power-bi-reports-add-text- and-shapes – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power- bi/visuals/power-bi-visualization-smart- narrative Structured Layout Presentation 6 • Flow list – A single column/row of items • Grid – Exact grid with rows and columns (each cell is one data item) – Tiles (cells) with different sizes – Horizontal or vertical flow of items • Table – Strict rows and columns, with headers – Each row is typical for one data item (record) • Card – Grouping a various piece of data and information in a card-like style Example: Three Display Layouts for Windows Files 7 Flow List Table Grid Flow List • In a flow list, items are presented like a list. • Flow list is one column (or row) based, while grid has more columns. • Flow list and grid are more flexible in arranging information. Each list/grid item can have a more complex local layout for its attributes. • Real world examples – Simple list: https://atlanta.craigslist.org/d/automotive- services/search/aos – More complicated flow list: https://www.apmex.com/search?q=eagles&vt=l (change view at the top) – https://www.google.com/search?tbm=shop&q=nu c – http://camelcamelcamel.com/search?sq=shoe 8 Extended reading: Google’s design practice on mobile https://material.io/components/lists/ There is only one column (one item per row). Grid • Grid is similar to flow list but consists of multiple columns and rows; and each item is narrower in width. • Grid is suitable for ultra wide screens; flow list items are difficult to read if the screen or report page is too wide. • Real world examples – http://atlanta.craigslist.org/cta (click on the “gallery” view link) – https://www.google.com/search?t bm=shop&q=nuc&&tbs=vw:g – http://www.newegg.com/Store/Ca tegory.aspx?Category=19 9 The number of columns may change in a responsive design. Data Table 10 • A data table is a concise way to show a lot of structured short information. Tables can accommodate data in a very dense format; the focus is on the data itself without much distractions – Sometimes still utilized limited visual aid to help readability. Just like grid and list, information in each cell may have additional formatting and local layout. • Types of table: flat table, pivot (matrix) table, complex table, transposed table • Often used for – Much needed in printouts and exports. – Pure data set: https://www.nba.com/hawks/stats – Simple collection of related items; examples: • http://apps.atl.com/Passenger/FlightInfo/Search.aspx?FIDSType=A • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dow_Jones_Industrial_Average – comparison of items with many attributes, such as products, versions, services, etc. • https://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare?CompareItemList=14%2D137%2D467%2C14%2D932%2D208%2C14%2D487 %2D454%2C14%2D487%2D486 A flat table has column or/and row headers. https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2022 -us-vehicle-sales-figures-by-model/ Transposed Data Table 11 Many applications offer display style choices in list, table, and grid. In this example, the table is transposed, meaning each data record is present in a column rather than in a row. This is often seen in product comparisons. Image from https://uxmag.com/articles/designing-search-results-pages Complex Table 12 • A complex data table has at least one heading that spans multiple rows or columns. https://www.oreilly.com/library/vie w/universal-design- for/9780596155681/ch06s03.html Pivot Table • Pivot table: Results are commonly presented in a two- dimension table, called – Pivot table, PivotTable (Excel) – Matrix (Power BI) – Cross tab (Access) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pivot_table – See module 8 multi-dimensional analysis Cards 14 • Card is Google’s term to describe a way to display multiple piece of data/information as a visually cohesive unit – A card is like a small space with more complex layout within. – A popular concept to design information presentation for web and mobile applications. – Reference: https://material.io/components/cards/ • Uses – Can also be used for organizing presentation of data – Commonly used for presenting KPI (key performance indicator) • Example https://investor.bankofamerica.com/fixed-income Fixed Income Investor Materials 2022Q3 Cards in Power BI • Power BI card only offer some basic functionality and style settings – Card – Multi-line card visual can have multiple measures – KPI card showing vs. target and trend • For more info – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/visuals/power-bi- visualization-card – https://www.spguides.com/power-bi-card/ – https://zebrabi.com/power-bi-custom-visuals/cards/ – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/visuals/power-bi- visualization-kpi • KPI cards in Tableau – https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/adam.e.mccann/viz/KPI Options/AllDaKPIs 15 Graphical: Data Visualization • Data are typically numerical values (but can also be qualitative) that describe its associated entity or activity. • Data itself is abstract. The visualization process will create visible forms to represent the meaning of these abstract data. – Utilizing a combination of visual elements (shapes and symbols) and visual variables/properties like size, color, positions, etc. • Modern systems and software applications also emphasizes the interactive feature of this process. 16 More details about visual properties in IT 7113 module 2 https://www.edocr.com/v/631d1wpb/jgzheng/SCOPeS-Visual-Properties More details about interactivity in IT 7113 module 10 Data visualization is the visual representation and presentation of data for the purpose of perception and cognition. Visualizing “Data Visualization” Image from http://prezi.com/qvhyfup5z7yz/dashboard-design-making-reports-pop/ 17 The cognitive visualization process in human brain and elements of visual mapping is covered with more details in IT 7113 module 2 https://www.edocr.com/v/e6ql9njn/jgzheng/data-visual-foundation Visualized data Plain (tabular) data Why Data Visualization? • Visualizing is basically a human physiological and psychological capability, and plays an important role in human information behavior and decision making – Recall or memorize data more effectively – Enable fast perception based on instinct (see the figure on the right) – Helps data comprehension and enhance problem solving capabilities (cognition) – Extract/provoke additional (implicit) perspectives and meanings – Ease the cognitive load of information processing and exploration – Help to shape the attention and focus – Effective communication (story telling) • More specifically (see examples in the following slides) – Identify patterns and trends – Quickly focus on area of interest or area of difference Identify structures or relationships – More comprehendible with familiar visual context – Identify structures and relationships that are hard to express in words 18 A picture is worth 1000 words (clicks) Source: How Data Visualization Empowers Decision Making https://community.watsonanalytics.com/wp- content/uploads/2015/04/BlueHill_HowDataVi sualizationDrivesDecisionMaking_Dec14.pdf Data Visualization in BI/Analytics • Data visualization is an important part of data exploration and decision making. Given the power of visualization, it is only natural to apply the rich communication techniques in the field of BI and analytics. • Visualization has been considered as a separate field from BI in the early days (prior to 2010), but it quickly brought the traditional business intelligence to life – As organizations seek to empower non‐technical users to make data‐driven decisions, they must consider the powers of data visualization in delivering digestible insights. – Visualization tools have become increasingly important to business intelligence, in which people need technology support to make sense of and analyze complex data sets and all types of information. Dashboards, reporting, end-user self- service, and advanced visualization top the most important technologies and initiatives strategic to BI in 2018. https://www.forbes.com/sites/louiscolumb us/2018/06/08/the-state-of-business- intelligence-2018/#b2fca2878289 Basic Visual Forms/Styles used in BI and Analytics • Conditional formatting (visual cues) • Inline chart (Sparkline) • Chart • Illustrational diagram • Map 20 A more detailed summary of visual forms and styles can be found in IT 7113 module 1 lecture: https://www.edocr.com/v/yqwmqeba/jgzheng/business-data-visualization Conditional Formatting • Conditional formatting – Direct formatting on text or numbers using visual properties, embedded in a pre-established presentation • Example – Golf http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/ – Tag cloud 21 Sparkline • A sparkline is a small chart embedded in a context of words, numbers, tables, images, or other type of information. – It presents the general shape of the variation in a simple and highly condensed way. – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparkline • Examples – http://omnipotent.net/jquery.sparkline/ – http://www.klipfolio.com/blog/table-component-overview – https://trumpexcel.com/sparklines/ 22 Sparkline Chart • A chart is a graphical representation of data – Chart is a unique combination of symbols (visual elements) with visual properties which directly represents quantitative values – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chart • Chart vs. Diagram – These two terms are very similar; they are often used together or interchangeably in daily life. – Chart is more abstractly presented and focuses more on quantitative values. – Diagrams also cover a lot of qualitative information like process, concepts, ideas, structures, etc.; they also intergrade more real- world contexts like maps. – Diagram is sometimes considered to include chart. 23 We will cover charts and their designs in IT 7113 (three modules). https://fool.whotrades. com/blog/43151739255 Purposes in Categorizing Charts Purpose/function Description Basic Charts Comparison Comparing and sorting data points; can also compare to benchmarks or norms. Column/bar Trend/evolution Variation of comparison involving temporal data. Line/area chart Composition A hierarchy relationship. Also, it may imply part-to-whole comparisons. Pie chart Stacked column/bar chart Tree map Distribution Aggregated value (usually count) of data points placed in categories; the category can be value ranges or time (trend). Histogram Scatter plot Relationship How things (data items) are related or positioned in a bigger context. Scatter plot Bubble chart Profiling To comprehend things through visual shapes and patterns. Spider/radar chart 24 Charts are commonly categorized by the following purposes and functions. Please refer to the following for details – https://www.qlik.com/blog/third-pillar-of-mapping-data-to-visualizations-usage (the basic four) – http://www.excelcharts.com/blog/classification-chart-types/ (added evolution and profiling) A more detailed summary of chart categories can be found in IT 7113 module 3 lecture: https://www.edocr.com/v/lonn6pal/jgzheng/chart-types-and-purposes Chart Catalog and Selection Tool 25 • The following are detailed and interactive references for charts. They are good resources. Ferdio* http://datavizproject.com An interactive resource with a lot of examples. Included diagrams and maps. Categorization by function and a unique category by data inputs. It provides details for each chart. I use it for reference a lot. Data catalog* http://www.datavizcatalogue.com An interactive catalog with very detailed description for each chart. Added many smaller and specific categories. I use it for reference a lot. From Data to Viz https://www.data-to-viz.com A classification of chart types based on input data format. It comes in the form of a decision tree. It also provide details for each chart. Chart make directory http://chartmaker.visualisingdata.com This is a community effort to catalog charts by function and show solutions for each major visualization tool (with links to external resources). * I use this resource for reference a lot. Maps (Location-based Visualizations) • Location intelligence (LI) is a business intelligence (BI) tool capability that relates geographic contexts (usually as a dimension) to business data. – http://searchbusinessanalytics.techtarget.com/definition/location-intelligence-LI • Location based visualization (map) is the base for location intelligence and plays an important role in business intelligence. – Within all of the leading front-end BI tools, interactive maps are replacing or augmenting standard table and chart views of geographic data. – involves layering multiple data sets spatially, for easy reference on a map – Maps provide context … Quickly associate data with familiar position/location – added familiarity increase comprehension. (Tableau “The Power of Where” https://www.tableau.com/learn/whitepapers/government-mapping) – Maps are widely recognized and understood—even by nontechnical professionals—which helps make the data represented more accessible and understood. (Forbes “The Power of Place” https://www.forbes.com/forbesinsights/pitney_bowes_power_of_place/) • Like business intelligence, location intelligence supports analysis and decision making. But for the past 20 years, these two data-centric disciplines have forged independent but parallel paths. Only now are they beginning to converge. The explosion of mobile and IoT devices facilitates the integration of business and location intelligence. – The first step toward converging location and business intelligence is plotting business metrics on a map. – The next step is the interactive process of location driven visual analytics, utilizing more sophisticated mapping layers and data presentation, even on three-dimensional surface, with the help of VR/AR technologies. – https://www.esri.com/news/arcuser/1012/files/morethanamap.pdf Major Map Types • Geospatial (geo) maps – Visualize geo location related data directly on real world maps – Data represented as points, areas, paths – http://luminocity3d.org/WorldCity/ – https://maps.google.com/gallery/ • Proportional Symbol Map – Proportional symbol maps, or bubble maps, scale the size of simple symbols (usually a circle/bubble) proportionally to the data value associated with that location. • Choropleth Map (Area Filled Map) – Data is represented using polygons corresponding to defined geo regions – Can only use color or texture to visualize data. – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choropleth_map – The layer is divided into different regions, and data will be mapped to the regions as units – Common types of regions include pollical areas like country, state, county, or other defined by businesses like postal (https://www.gasbuddy.com/GasPriceMap), phone code, school district, or marketing/sales area. – Regions generally correspond to geo locations, but they may be less detailed and accurate. Classic bubble map. Use size (number of people) and color (in-flow or out- flow) to code two variables. http://www.citylab.com/politics/2014/04/2- very-different-migrations-driving-growth-us-cities/8873/ http://www.270towin.com Maps are covered in IT 7113 lecture https://www.edocr.com/v/npapy5k4/jgzheng/data-maps Data Visualization and IT • Modern advanced and interactive visualizations are driven by the need for technology and tool support (design, development/programming, automation, delivery, and administration). • Michael Friendly offers some key points how IT drives the modern data visualization (https://www.interaction- design.org/literature/article/information-visualization-a-brief-20th-and- 21st-century-history) – The field of information (data) visualization has broadened to encompass many new forms of data, data structure and problem solving. – Highly interactive computing systems have been developed and are in common use. This is compared to early command-driven systems which used compiled, batch processing. – The information visualization field has begun to implement cognitive and perceptual aspects of displaying data in addition to delivering simple static visualizations which were aesthetically pleasing. – Data with large volumes of dimensions can be better explored and analyzed. 28 Data Presentation/Visualization Tools • Modern visualizations are largely dependent or enabled by visualization tools. Visualization products have been evolving fast, and there is increasing overlap. But they generally fall into three major categories. • Standalone tools – They are specifically designed to produce stunning visualizations, and they can work with multiple platforms and data sources. – Some of them are growing to more full stack analytics tools. – They can be desktop based and/or cloud based – Examples: Tableau, Power BI, QlikView, Dundas, Spotfire, SAP Lumira, etc. – Cloud: Google Data Studio, http://idashboards.com, http://www.klipfolio.com • Embedded tools – Broader analytics, business intelligence, and reporting platforms (and even advanced spreadsheet programs) that often incorporate visualization capabilities. These products can address more complex data platform needs and often provide wide-ranging capabilities but may require more training in order to exploit their full potential. In some cases, IT may need to be looped in to assist in integrating these tools with underlying data and related applications. – Examples like SSRS, IBM, Oracle, MicroStrategy, SAP Crystal, and others. – Microsoft Excel, Google Docs Spreadsheet http://www.benlcollins.com/spreadsheets/dynamic-dashboard-in-google- spreadsheets/ • Developer-oriented visualization libraries and APIs – These tools are offered as programming libraries or services for general applications (web, mobile, etc.). – These tools can be useful when the visualization requires complete customization, substantial interactivity, or for developing a framework that allows you to reuse code. – Examples • Programming library:, D3, dotNetCharting, Telerik, Nevron, amCharts, etc. • Web API: Google Charts (https://developers.google.com/chart/) • Programming language capabilities: R, Python 29 We will cover these topics with more details in IT 7113 Microsoft Visualization Choices • Excel – https://excelcharts.com/10-reasons-why-take-excel-dashboards-seriously/ – Excel is the best tool to learn and apply sound data visualization principles and best practices – “Many individuals and small business users will discover that MS Excel offers much of what they need without the need.” • Data Visualization - HorizonWatch 2015 Trend Report http://www.slideshare.net/HorizonWatching/data-visualization-horizon-watch-2015- trend-report-client-version-28jan2015 – Excel is the best tool for executive dashboard prototyping, because of its flexibility and development costs. • http://www.excelcharts.com/blog/prototype-executive-dashboard-excel/ • Power BI – A more powerful self-service analytics tool that includes pretty good visualization tools. Visual capabilities go beyond chart creation: • Data maps • Single and multi-page reports • Interactive dashboards (at this time, not through Power BI Desktop) – https://us.hitachi-solutions.com/blog/8-reasons-why-you-should-shift- reporting-from-excel-to-power-bi/ Key Readings • Textual And Tabular Presentation Of Data – https://www.toppr.com/guides/economics/presentation- of-data/textual-and-tabular-presentation-of-data/ • Diagrammatic presentation of data – https://www.toppr.com/guides/business-economics- cs/descriptive-statistics/diagrammatic-presentation-of- data/ • The Role of Data Visualization: – https://www.highcharts.com/blog/post/role-data- visualization-business-intelligence/ • Chart categories by purpose – https://www.qlik.com/blog/third-pillar-of-mapping-data-to- visualizations-usage Power BI Visual Resources • Create reports and dashboards in Power BI – documentation https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/create-reports/ • Power BI visual reference: https://www.sqlbi.com/ref/power-bi- visuals-reference/ • The Complete Guide to Power BI Visuals + Custom Visuals https://www.numerro.io/guides/power-bi-visuals-guide • Visualization types in Power BI https://learn.microsoft.com/en- us/power-bi/visuals/power-bi-visualization-types-for-reports-and- q-and-a • Check the items on the left menu under “Visualizations”: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/visuals/power-bi- report-visualizations • For developers https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power- bi/developer/visuals/ Additional Good Resources • IT 7113 Data Visualization – http://idi.kennesaw.edu/it7113/ – Business data visualization lecture notes: https://www.edocr.com/v/yqwmqeba/jgzheng/Business-Data- Visualization – Zheng (2017) Book Chapter Data Visualization in Business Intelligence (PDF downloadable): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321804138_Data_Visualization_for_Business_Intelligence – Lecture notes collection https://www.edocr.com/user/jgzheng/collection/datavisualizationlecturenotes • Data presentation – Statistical data presentation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5453888/ – http://www.slideshare.net/ahsanshafiq90/data-presentation-2-15572325 – https://www.slideshare.net/31mikaella/presentation-analysis-and-interpretation-of-data • Data Visualization – https://www.sas.com/en_us/insights/big-data/data-visualization.html – How Data Visualization Empowers Decision Making: https://community.watsonanalytics.com/wp- content/uploads/2015/04/BlueHill_HowDataVisualizationDrivesDecisionMaking_Dec14.pdf – Tegarden (1999) CAIS Business Information Visualization (a bit aged but still classic): http://aisel.aisnet.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2483&context=cais – https://www.tableau.com/learn/articles/data-visualization • Microsoft data visualization tool choices: https://sqlserverbiblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/data-visualization-choices-dav-204- 4089.pdf (a bit outdated but still a good reading) 33