Data Visualization – 102


Pie Charts

A pie chart is a circular graphical representation of data, divided into slices like a pie. Each slice represents a category or portion of the whole data set, with the size of the slice proportional to its value. It’s a simple and widely used way to show the relative sizes of different parts of a whole.

Here are some key characteristics of a pie chart:

  • Circles: The entire chart is always a circle, representing the whole data set.
  • Slices: The circle is divided into sections or slices, each representing a category or portion of the data.
  • Proportions: The size of each slice is proportional to its value compared to the whole. For example, if one category has twice the value of another, its slice will be twice as large.
  • Labels: Each slice should be labeled with the category name and its value (often as a percentage of the whole).
  • Colors: Different colors are often used to differentiate slices and make the chart more visually appealing. However, it’s important to use colors that are easy to distinguish and accessible to people with color blindness.

Here are some advantages of using pie charts:

  • Simple and easy to understand: They are visually appealing and easy to interpret, even for people with no prior experience with data visualization.
  • Effective for showing part-to-whole relationships: They are great for highlighting the relative sizes of different categories and showing how they contribute to the whole.
  • Limited data points: They work best with a small number of categories (usually 4-6).

However, there are also some limitations to consider:

  • Comparisons: They are not good for comparing precise values between different categories. Use bar charts or line charts for better comparisons.
  • Too many categories: With too many categories, the slices become too small and difficult to interpret.
  • Accuracy: Percentages and small variations can be misleading in small slices.

Overall, pie charts are a useful tool for visualizing data when you want to show the relative sizes of different parts of a whole, but keep their limitations in mind and choose the best chart type for your specific data and goals.


A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart typically used in project management to visually represent a project’s schedule. It provides a clear overview of tasks, their start and end dates, durations, and dependencies. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

Components:

  • Horizontal axis: Represents the timeline of the project, usually divided into days, weeks, or months.
  • Vertical axis: Lists all the tasks involved in the project.
  • Gantt bars: Horizontal bars representing each task, positioned on the timeline according to its start and end dates. The length of the bar reflects the duration of the task.
  • Color coding: Can be used to differentiate tasks by category, priority, or completion status.
  • Dependencies: Arrows or lines may connect tasks to show dependencies, meaning one task cannot start until another is finished.

Benefits:

  • Clarity and visual appeal: Offers a clear and easily understandable overview of the project schedule.
  • Communication: Simplifies communication about the project plan and progress among stakeholders.
  • Task management: Helps identify potential bottlenecks, resource conflicts, and schedule risks.
  • Monitoring and progress tracking: Enables easy monitoring of task progress and adjustments to the plan if needed.

Limitations:

  • Complexity: Large or complex projects with many tasks and dependencies can become difficult to represent clearly in a Gantt chart.
  • Static nature: May not be suitable for highly dynamic projects requiring frequent updates.
  • Limited information: Primarily focuses on scheduling and doesn’t capture resource allocation or budgets in detail.

Examples of use:

  • Construction projects
  • Software development
  • Marketing campaigns
  • Event planning
  • Personal to-do lists

Additional resources:

Creating Pie Charts in Figma:

  • Manual Method:
    • Use the Ellipse tool to draw a circle.
    • Adjust the fill color and border according to your design.
    • Duplicate the circle for each additional slice.
    • Resize and rotate each slice manually based on its data percentage.
    • Add labels and data values for clarity.
  • Plugins:
    • Utilize plugins like “Chartmaker” or “Data Snacks” for automated pie chart creation based on data input.
    • These plugins offer customization options like slice colors, labels, and animations.

Best Practices for Figma Pie Charts:

  • Limit slices: Stick to 4-6 slices for optimal readability.
  • Use clear colors: Choose distinguishable colors for each slice, considering accessibility.
  • Label effectively: Include slice labels and data values (or percentages).
  • Maintain consistency: Apply consistent styles and fonts for a clean look.
  • Interactive Prototypes (Optional): Use prototyping tools to add interactivity to your pie chart, allowing users to click on slices for additional information.

Resources:

Nb Charts for Figma:

  • Features: This plugin lets you generate various chart types like line, bar, pie, scatter, radar, bubble, ring, and even maps directly within Figma.
  • Ease of use: You can input your data and customize the chart appearance (colors, fonts, etc.) with straightforward controls.
  • Benefits:
    • Saves time compared to manual chart creation in Figma.
    • Offers numerous chart options for versatile data visualization.
    • Helps maintain consistency in chart design across your Figma projects.

Resources:

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