Information visualization is the process of representing data in a visual and  meaningful way so that a user can better understand it. Dashboards and  scatter plots are common examples of information visualization. Via its  depicting an overview and showing relevant connections, information  visualization allows users to draw insights from abstract data in an efficient  and effective manner.

Information visualization plays an important role in making  data digestible and turning raw information into actionable insights. It draws  from the fields of human-computer interaction, visual design, computer  science, and cognitive science, among others. Examples include world map- style representations, line graphs, and 3-D virtual building or town plan  designs.

The process of creating information visualization typically starts with  understanding the information needs of the target user group. Qualitative  research (e.g., user interviews) can reveal how, when, and where the  visualization will be used. Taking these insights, a designer can determine  which form of data organization is needed for achieving the users’ goals. Once  information is organized in a way that helps users understand it better—and  helps them apply it so as to reach their goals—visualization techniques are  the next tools a designer brings out to use. Visual elements (e.g., maps and  graphs) are created, along with appropriate labels, and visual parameters  such as color, contrast, distance, and size are used to create an appropriate  visual hierarchy and a visual path through the information.

Information visualization is becoming increasingly interactive, especially  when used in a website or application. Being interactive allows for  manipulation of the visualization by users, making it highly effective in  catering to their needs. With interactive information visualization, users are  able to view topics from different perspectives, and manipulate their  visualizations of these until they reach the desired insights. This is especially  useful if users require an explorative experience.


Information visualization is the process of representing data in a visual and meaningful way so that a user can better understand it . Dashboards and scatter plots are common examples of information visualization . Via its depicting an overview and showing relevant connections , information visualization allows users to draw insights from abstract data in an efficient and effective manner . Information visualization plays an important role in making data digestible and turning raw information into actionable insights . It draws from the fields of human - computer interaction , visual design , computer science , and cognitive science , among others . Examples include world map- style representations , line graphs , and 3 - D virtual building or town plan designs . The process of creating information visualization typically starts with understanding the information needs of the target user group . Qualitative research ( e.g. , user interviews ) can reveal how , when , and where the visualization will be used . Taking these insights , a designer can determine which form of data organization is needed for achieving the users ’ goals . Once information is organized in a way that helps users understand it better — and helps them apply it so as to reach their goals — visualization techniques are the next tools a designer brings out to use . Visual elements ( e.g. , maps and graphs ) are created , along with appropriate labels , and visual parameters such as color , contrast , distance , and size are used to create an appropriate visual hierarchy and a visual path through the information . Information visualization is becoming increasingly interactive , especially when used in a website or application . Being interactive allows for manipulation of the visualization by users , making it highly effective in catering to their needs . With interactive information visualization , users are able to view topics from different perspectives , and manipulate their visualizations of these until they reach the desired insights . This is especially useful if users require an explorative experience .