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Data Visualization in UX/UI Design

Data visualization in UX/UI design is an essential skill for designers. Clear and effective visualization helps users interpret complex information with ease, enhancing the overall user experience. In this article, we will explore key practices to ensure data is presented effectively.

A 3D pie chart with a highlighted red section accompanied by dynamic red upward arrows symbolizing growth or increasing trends in data visualization.

Use Comparable Chart Forms

If you’re visualizing data that needs to be compared over time, make sure to use comparable charts.

Side-by-side comparison of two data visualizations: a pair of pie charts labeled "Not Easily Comparable," illustrating sales by product for two different quarters; and a horizontal bar chart labeled "Directly Compared with Last Year Data," showcasing product sales comparison with clear differentiation between "This quarter" and "Last quarter" data.

Example showing the difference when using comparable chart forms

Be Careful With Trends

Don’t be playful, trendy, or on-brand at the expense of information processing. Instead, focus on clarity and functionality.

Side-by-side comparison of two bar charts titled "Students enrolled," with a secondary axis for "Finished course" percentages: the left chart labeled "Hindered Chart Readability" due to an overlapping pie chart element obstructing data, and the right chart labeled with a green checkmark, showcasing a clear and unobstructed view of both data sets.

The importance of clarity and funcionality

Never Use Just Color to Indicate Meaning

Make sure to include other visual clues, such as icons or styling, to enhance data visualization in UX/UI design.

Side-by-side comparison of two engagement cards: the left card shows "9%" engagement with a small graph and text "6% lower than expected" but lacks emphasis; the right card highlights "9%" with a bold font and a warning icon, effectively grabbing attention, labeled "Accessible and Grabs Attention."

Visual cues enhance data visualization in UX/UI design

Avoid Rotating Labels

Avoid rotating labels as it decreases readability. If the labels need more space, rotating the chart might be just the trick you need to improve data visualization in UX/UI design.

Comparison of two charts displaying "Likes by type of content": the left vertical bar chart is cluttered and difficult to interpret, evoking negative reactions with emoji; the right horizontal bar chart is clean and organized, allowing for quick readability, marked with a green check.

The difference between using rotating labels and rotating chart

Avoid Overcomplicating

If complexity is unavoidable, make sure to distinguish data types and limit color use. Use different line textures to indicate data types or group similar types of data by coloring them in shades of a single hue. These practices are vital for effective data visualization in UX/UI design.

Side-by-side comparison of two line charts titled "Freebies": the left chart uses only color differentiation, making it harder to distinguish lines; the right chart improves readability with distinct stroke styles (solid and dashed lines) alongside colors, marked with a green check.

Importance of limiting color use

Use Styling to Prioritize and Deprioritize Information

You can, for example, use bold styling to draw attention or reduce the opacity of elements that are secondary or tertiary, ensuring clarity in data visualization.

Comparison of two line charts titled "Freebie enrollments - Daily trends": the left chart emphasizes all data equally, creating visual clutter. The right chart improves focus by bolding only the most important information (3,000 enrollments in July) and reducing opacity for less critical data, marked with a green check.

Example of using styling to draw attention

Highlight Key Data Points

Make sure that key data points remain visible without requiring users to scroll. Enhance graphs by annotating key points for better data comprehension, a key aspect of data visualization in UX/UI design.

Side-by-side comparison of two line charts titled "Supercharge Website Clicks." The left chart lacks highlighted data points, making it harder to interpret. The right chart improves clarity with labeled peaks (350,000 and 175,000) in bold red and purple, marked with a green check for readability.

Key data points need to stay visible

Mastering data visualization in UX/UI design ensures that users can quickly and effectively interpret complex information. By following these best practices, you, as a designer, can elevate user experiences and make data more accessible and engaging.

For other valuable educational resources, explore our Learn section. Here, we offer heaps of courses, workbooks, and other resources that will help you improve your skills in UX/UI.
Happy designing! 🤗

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