3 Reasons Why You Should Pre-Sketch Your Data Visualizations
New Data Visualization Projects
When you take on a new data visualization project, it can be tempting to jump in and create visualizations right away with the idea that after enough exploring, the final format will present itself to you. And while it is important to dedicate time to EDA (exploratory data analysis), it can also be very beneficial to define a high-level plan early in the process.
Over time, I’ve found that producing an early sketch has been helpful in reducing the total amount of time and iterations taken towards building the end product.
Example Pre-Sketch of a Dashboard
Why You Should Pre-sketch Your Data Viz Project
1) Gain early buy in
Creating an early sketch of one or two data visualization options to show to your consumer can be an easy way of reducing risk in the project. There have been times in the past where I have spent hours creating the perfect dashboard for my consumer, hoping for that big “WOW” moment. Unfortunately, there were also times when I did the big reveal after weeks of work and it fell flat. The visualization didn’t meet the consumer needs, and this resulted in serious redevelopment.
When you spend the time up front to show a basic view of your intended work, it gives you and your consumer the reassurance that you’re headed in the right direction.
2) Gain efficiencies
I love to create data visualizations and can be very nit-picky about the final product. I’ve been known to spend loads of time obsessing over the small details such as labels, color, text, alignment etc. However, this can lead to a lot of meandering and unnecessary work if you are not committed to including that visualization in your overall product. While it’s great to focus on the fit and finish of your design, it’s best to save this work for data visualizations which you have confirmed that you will use.
3) Design elements with the big picture in mind
In designing something like a dashboard or infographic, the parts can be less important than the whole. While it may be enticing to create a very complex and impactful Sankey diagram, such a complex visualization might end up being too detailed to include alongside the other data visualizations and messaging. It helps to define the core elements as soon as possible and focus on delivering those before you move on to the non-essential work. There is nothing worse than pouring your heart and soul into a complex data visualization, only to have the consumer ask you for bar charts instead. And hey, if you complete your essential visualizations and have bandwidth to spare, then go ahead and impress them with your Sankey diagram too!
Getting Started with Sketching Your Data Visualization
Getting started with creating your data visualization sketches can take many forms, don’t over-complicate it. Feel free to use any tool to mockup your visualization, including a simple pencil and paper! If you do go the pencil and paper route, I recommend checking out this great Data Visualization sketchbook by Stephanie Evergreen which even has a variety of templates to get you started.
If you decide to try the digital route, there are a variety of great illustration applications to try. The animation above was made in Procreate.
Another option is to use your end tool (ie Cognos, Tableau, R etc) to create a very fast mockup. Just don’t get stuck in the details and accidentally create a final product.
Good Luck!
Best of luck creating your data visualization sketches. I’d love to hear your stories and see your visualizations. Please reach out to me over Twitter and let me know how it goes!
