Around 200 years ago, the concept of taking massive amounts of data and simplifying those through graphs and charts was invented. Ever since then, the way we consume data and information has never been the same.
Data visualization has been such an important tool for mankind’s march to progress. Graphs and visual charts have been used to map out plague outbreaks, create statistics for wartime mortalities and injuries, visually dissect lands and empires, and so much more.
Nowadays, graphs and charts have evolved to include helping schools, businesses, and scientific endeavors. Technology has even made it easier for us to make these.
A graph maker like Venggage, for instance, is becoming a go-to tool for creating professional, creative, and highly effective graphs.
So, why is data visualization so important in our lives?
This is because these can greatly help our ability to decide faster. How? Well here are some of the biggest ways.
It’s All About Speed
Graphs and charts make decisions faster. And some decisions require speed.
One of the best examples of a decision-making graph is Jon Snow’s 1854 tussle with cholera. In a nutshell, during the mid-1800s, England was being ravaged by a sudden cholera outbreak that is claiming hundreds of lives.
With the use of what is called a geographical grid chart, an Obstetrician named Jon Snow (This one definitely knows something) began charting cholera cases and deaths in a bid to prove his theory that the cholera outbreak is being caused by contaminated water supplies.
The conclusion? The chart easily pinpoints that the cholera cases have one common denominator — a water pump in Soho.
As they say, the rest is history. Jon Snow’s geographical grid chart eventually caused the English government to shut down the pump, close up neighboring cesspools, and repair sewers and drains that may cause cross-contamination.
Immediately the cases started to drop right after those improvements. It also helped mankind understand this deadly disease. Today, the CDC still uses John Snow’s charting techniques to figure out deadly outbreaks and to contain them.
To think that the prevailing theory of how cholera spreads during that time was “Breathing Vapors” and “God’s Wrath.” Just imagine how many lives were saved because of Jon Snow’s geographical grid chart.
This is just a good example of how data visualization tools can speed up decision-making.
2. Gives Accuracy
Big decisions require lots and lots of data. Accurate data to be precise.
Just think about it, some decisions will require you to tackle a ton of data. Let’s say you are the marketing head of a large department store.
Your boss decides that you need to figure out a daily promo or a revolving daily product feature. This will require you to study your day-to-day sales from previous years.
While this is a fine and dandy sales and marketing idea, it is also a massive headache when making an effective decision.
By compressing your data into a visual presentation (aka graphs and charts) marketers will be able to accurately and easily pinpoint their strong and weak suits.
Which product moves and which does not. Their best and worst hours when it comes to foot traffic. This goes on and on.
There is so much data you can compress using the power of graphs.
There is no going around it, data visualization tools are still the best when it comes to making data-based decisions more accurate.
3. Better Communication
Graph visualization is also important because it gives your audience better transparency and therefore leads to better communication.
Allow me to explain.
Let’s say it’s employee evaluation day. By using graphs and charts, you can better relay to an employee where he is good and what he needs to improve. Where he needs more training and where he can inspire others.
A visual presentation of graphs and charts will also help your employee create a communication marker of why his performance in this certain area is poor or good.
This data will in turn also help you figure out how to best use your employee’s abilities. Where he is better suited to helping the company grow.
There are so many more examples of how graphs and charts make the flow of communication better. Think board meetings, product presentations, client calls, etc.
Ultimately, better communication leads to better decisions.
Decisions, Decisions
Graphs and charts are our friends when it comes to making fast, accurate, and efficient decisions. It has proven its worth since the early days and is even more so important in today’s highly fast and competitive world.
Incorporating decision-making graphs in our work and business gives us a competitive advantage by being a step ahead of the crowd. It truly is a game-changer.
Still not using graphs? Well, isn’t it time to make a decision now?