I. Introduction
In the last article, we have systematically explained the definition of data visualization, what is a good data visualization? And the first principle of data visualization design-faith.
Today, we first explain the second basic principle of data visualization-up.
2. The second basic principle of data visualization -up to
The second basic principle of data visualization-up, that is, visualization design can clearly express information.
Below, I will provide you with a few methodologies that will enable your data visualization design to achieve "reach":
1. Method 1: Maximize the proportion of data ink
First of all, we need to figure out the concepts of data ink, non-data ink, and redundant data ink.
Data ink, that is, the indelible core part of the visualization graph; and the proportion of data ink is the ratio between the "ink" used to display the core data in the visualization graph and all the ink used for the overall visualization. Its calculation formula as follows:
Non-data ink, as the name suggests, is the non-core part of a visualization chart, such as the depiction of chart scales, units, and coordinate axes.
Redundant data ink, as the name suggests, is the part of the ink that is extra and repeated. For example, a core data indicator repeats twice, but because it is a core data indicator, it is not a non-data ink, but the redundant data here. ink.
As shown in the figure below, we can see the bottom data index. The data ink ratio of the left electrocardiogram is 1> the data ratio of the scatter graph on the right is 0.9, and the digital ink gap of 0.1 is mainly because the scatter graph is not available. Avoid the existence of coordinate axes and units.
After the above definitions and examples, it should not be difficult for everyone to find that the two directions for maximizing the proportion of data ink are: erasing non-data inks and erasing redundant data inks.
Although they are in two different directions, these two methods have one thing in common, which reduces unnecessary ink usage and allows the diagrams to streamline the display of digital relationships.
2. Method 2: Reduce the time-consuming process of perception and recognition, follow the Gestalt principle
In fact, human visual recognition of some graphic elements can be completed within 200 milliseconds at the fastest. These elements include but are not limited to color, size, shape, length, direction, density... And in visual design, we need to fully mobilize the human eye Insight into the design elements of this part.
Among them, we can refer to the Gestalt principle to reduce the time-consuming process of perception and recognition.
Proximity: The parts that are close together tend to form a whole; as shown below, we can see that the reindeer pattern is composed of a series of similar straight lines distributed vertically. If the spacing of the lines is too large, we will be visually natural The whole is divided into two parts, just like the dot on the far right. According to the principle of similarity, the naked eye will subconsciously divide it into two parts.
Similarity: The parts that are similar in a certain way tend to form a whole; as shown below, when we see the following figure, we will subconsciously regard the similar parts as a big group, take the rightmost colored circle as an example, we The circle in the picture will be divided into 5 parts according to the color.
Closure: The parts that belong to each other and form a closed entity tend to form a whole; as shown below, it is the WWF logo, which is a design that typically uses the closed principle. We can see that the panda’s The head is not closed with a solid line, but visually we still think that it is a closed whole.
Continuity: We tend to connect a figure completely instead of observing broken lines or shapes; as shown in the figure below, we are accustomed to connecting small dots with lines when recognizing with the naked eye, we will subconsciously look at the figure Two intersecting circles instead of two incomplete circles and one intersecting two circles.
Simplicity: The parts with symmetric, regular, and smooth simple graphics tend to form a whole; as shown below, the interface on the left is a symmetrical page, so we will think that the cards on the left are a whole, and there is another one below. New card; but the card on the right is not, because the entire page is not symmetrical, the user may wonder if there is a card on the right.
