Modes of Data Visualisation

Explanatory

Explanatory data visualisations are the most common and you can spot them in newspapers, websites, and beyond. They tell a clear story with a static dataset.

Properties

• Static data set (generally)
• You know the data beforehand and can assign properties based on that (ex: colours)
• You have complete control over layout and placing annotations
• One-off audience
• Learning, not a tool

Examples

• Infographics
• 'Scrollytelling' websites (gaining popularity for news sites)

Exploratory

Exploratory data visualisations enable people to examine data in various ways and reach their own conclusions (ex: a dashboard). Susie Lu compares them to a [[!Choose Your Own Adventure]] story with a branching narrative.

Properties

• Dynamic data set
• You cannot predict the data and have to define dynamic colour palettes, layout, etc. which can accomdate a variety of situations
• Accomdate a variety of audiences who return multiple times, from first time visitors to power users
• A tool where people come to answer a question and reach their own conclusion

Examples

• Most any dashboard