Data Visualization and Presentation

Learning objectives

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Discuss the characteristics of good visualization
• Identify data stories and the most appropriate visualization types for each
• Use guidelines to create the most effective visualization(s) for your policy brief

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2

Visual displays of the problem (statement)

• Goal:
• Make the problem as simple to understand as possible
• Demonstrate clearly the impact of the problem
• Charts, graphs, maps, figures can enhance our message…but only when they’re done well!

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3

Characteristics of effective visualizations

• Meaningful
• Memorable
• Tell the story you want to tell!

4

Data stories

5

Where are we now?

• Can involve:
• Single measure, single location
• Multiple measures, single location
• Multiple measures, multiple locations

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• Best told with:
• Graphics (photos or visuals, +/- text)
• Bar charts
• Pie charts
• Maps (+/-)

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6

Where are we now? (single measure, single location)

7

“Approximately 3,000 children die from malaria each day, mostly in Africa.”

In the last hour, this is how many children died from malaria

Where are we now? (multiple measures, single location)

8

“None of the key targets for care around childbirth were met in Country Y during 2017.”

Where Are We Now?

9

“Non-communicable diseases—primarily cardiovascular disease and injuries—comprised 60% of DALYs in Nepal in 2016.”

Adapted from: IHME Global Burden of Diseases http://www.healthdata.org/Nepal

How are we doing compared with others?

• Across geographic locations:
• Maps
• Bar charts
• Graphics (may be more difficult to make/interpret)

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• Across demographic groups:
• Bar charts

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10

How are we doing compared with others?

11

“Russians are among the highest-volume consumers of alcohol in the world.”

RUSSIA