Sometimes, a single mark can be used to encode multiple pieces of information. The main purpose of a chart is to show relationships between data points in some visual way. To support more sophisticated analysis, we often need to show that data points belong to multiple categories at one time, so that we can understand relationships between different groups.
Month: January 2019
Visual Variables
This post is part of a larger series focused on exploring the fundamental principles of data visualization. Eventually, the collection may grow into something larger and more coherent. For now, each post simply picks up and plays with one idea related to how we represent data visually. Other posts in this series can be found…
Gestalt principles
When we look at a chart, several things happen at once. First, the rods and cones in our eyes detect light. This is called a visual stimulus: an outside influence stimulates our eyes to record what’s happening. Next, our brains whir into action, trying to make sense of that stimulus.
Marks and encodings
This post is part of a larger series focused on exploring the fundamental principles of data visualization. Eventually, the collection may grow into something larger and more coherent. For now, each post simply picks up and plays with one idea related to how we represent data visually. Other posts in this series can be found…