Visual Representations of Data Using Pie Charts and Methods for Displaying Percentages

In the world of data visualization, choosing the right tool can make all the difference. Here's a breakdown of three common visuals – pie charts, bar graphs, and pictograms – and when to use them for maximum impact.

Pie charts and donut charts, often seen in infographics, are effective for showcasing ratios, especially percentages or parts of a whole. However, it's essential to keep the number of slices to a minimum, as too many can make the chart hard to read. Additionally, ensure that the chart helps in interpreting and understanding the data better. Poor use of colours can also make it difficult to distinguish between slices.

Bar graphs, on the other hand, are usually better for visualizing data than pies and donuts. They're easy to interpret because the reader is comparing length, not area, angle, or curvature. Tips for creating impressive bar charts include stacking the bars in order and highlighting bars of note with a different colour. Subtle grid lines can aid in reading bars in a stacked bar chart with many bars.

Pictograms are another useful tool for visualizing data, especially for larger percentages that are compelling. Icons in pictograms can help readers connect better with the data, especially when telling a story about people. The best practical rules for using pictograms in infographics include ensuring clarity and simplicity, using universally recognized symbols, maintaining consistency in style and size, choosing appropriate colours for visibility, and placing pictograms logically to support the data or message clearly. Pictograms also make it easy for the audience to compare percentages.

When designing charts, it's crucial to consider which visuals will best help the audience understand the data. For instance, 3D pie charts can make it harder for people to make visual comparisons, while donut charts remove the middle of the pie, making it harder to see the angles in the center for comparisons.

Lastly, using variety in visuals (pie charts, bar graphs, and pictograms) can create interest for the reader. When using multiple percentage points in an infographic, combining them with copy and other visuals can help tell a story. The platform offers easy-to-edit templates and a drag-and-drop editor for creating pie chart infographics.

In conclusion, choosing the right visual for your data is key to making it accessible and engaging for your audience. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each visual, you can create infographics that effectively communicate your data and tell a compelling story.