How to begin Formatting Your Quantitative Research Data There are 3 main coordinate systems for visualizing data. 1) Cartesian: All Graphs and Plots use a similar system of placing Cartesian points (or x,y pairs) onto a graph. The horizontal axis is the x-axis and the vertical axis is the y-axis. It is up to you to apply quantitative information to your y and/or x-axis. First choose a Format (ex. Ranking, Time) that best supports your data and then determine the form of Data Visualization (ex. Bar Chart). 2) Polar: Charts use the polar system where coordinates are placed based on radius (or center point) and angle (or degree). Charts are most often used in parts-to-whole comparisons that deal with percentages and/or time cycles (ex. hours in a day, months in a year).

3) Geographic: Maps are based on points of longitude and latitude. Maps most commonly identify location, density/scarcity and/or transition in time between locations.

Formats for Quantitative Data Visualization Nominal Comparisons – Comparing values, such as x=donut type to y=quantitative amount consumed. Visualization: Bar Graphs, Bubble Charts and Dot Plots. Time Series - Comparing values across a division of time such as x=time to y=quantitative amount consumed. Visualization: Line Graph, Vertical Bar Graphs and Dot Plots. Ranking – Comparing the order from highest to lowest or vise versa, such as x=doughnut type and y=quantitative amount consumed (most to least). Visualization: Bar Graphs or Dot Plots. Part-to-Whole – Comparing how subcategories and divisions relate as parts to a whole. Whole=doughnuts, part=sprinkles, bear claw, etc. Visualization: Pie chart, Stacked Bar Graph or Cox Comb.

Dot Plot (Cartesian)

   

Line Graph (Cartesian)

Vertical Bar Graph

 

Horizontal Bar Graph (Cartesian)

     

Stacked Bar Graph (Cartesian)

 

Pie Chart (Polar)  

     

Coxcomb Chart (Polar)

 

Bubble Chart (Polar)

   

Cartograms (Geographic) A cartogram looks like a distorted map. In a cartogram land area or distance are substituted with a thematic mapping variable. (Ex. population, cell phone coverage, voting outcome, etc.) The boarders are then increased or decreased in order to highlight the variable’s data and location. Diffusion-Based Cartogram - regions sized by data but retain boarders.

   

Circular Cartogram – regions sized by data instead of physical area.

Carbon (C02) Hotspots in the World

 

Dot Distribution Map (Geographic)

A Dot distribution map (also called a dot density map) uses a dot or pictogram system to show the presence of a single data point in a given location.

Choropleth (Geographic)

A Choropleth is a thematic map that uses colors, patterns or shaded areas to identify the measurement of data throughout various locations on the map.

Pictograms and Isotypes Pictograms & Isotypes (International System of Typographic Picture Education) were developed in 1925 by Otto Neurath. Neurath was the Founding Director & Chief Theorist at the Social & Economic Museum of Vienna. Isotypes begin as a Pictogram, but through their repetition or division they communicate quantitative information, while Pictograms are mostly used for qualitative information.

Neurath, 1934. Isotypes - Quantitative Information Isotypes are Repeated or Divided illustrations used in Pictorial Statistics that connect object to quantity.

Pictograms - Qualitative Information Pictograms are single illustrations used to deliver a message that can be universal or site-specific.

The first rule of an Isotype is that greater quantities are not represented by an enlarged pictogram, but by representing a greater number of the same-sized pictogram.

The first rule of a pictogram is the essential information should be communicated in a glance.

In both Isotypes and Pictograms, the icons are specific to the subject/message being communicated. In order to achieve optimal clarity to the viewer, Isotypes and Pictograms are almost never depicted as 3-D objects in perspective.

Pictograms for the Universal Pain Chart used in Hospitals

Pictograms for the National Parks Service

Pictograms designed for the Phone App Scavenger Hunt

Pictograms for the NYC MTA

Pictogram wedding invitation

Repeated Isotypes representing the need for Obamacare

Divided Isotype representing statistics on Singapore’s Religions

Divided Isotypes representing Singapore’s Geography + Politics

**Isotype Design Fail** Neurath would not approve of this Isotype because it breaks the first rule of Isotype design (greater quantities are not represented by an enlarged pictogram). Enlarged pictograms create confusion because there is not a clear representation of the “standard” size from which we can visibly compare an increase or decrease in the amount of wine produced.