Information Visualization or Data Visualization, You Decide [Poll]
In the February 1, 2010 edition of BusinessWeek, I found the illustration shown below. It certainly contains some good information and data that can be easily read. My question is, would you consider this a Information Visualization, Data Visualization, Information Graphic, Statistical Graphic, Chart/Graph or something else and why?
Sorry about all the polls lately, but I think this is an easy way to respond without having to comment.
[poll id="4"]
Also, please feel free to comment with additional insights.
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February 4th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
The poll does not allow for more than one check. It is clearly a chart/graph and also a statistical graphic since it shows quantitative data. Information graphics include statistical graphics as well as lots of other graphics like subway maps, maps, diagrams, etc. I’ve seen so many conflicting definitions of data visualization and information visualization that it’s difficult to comment on these. Some consider data visualization to be synonymous with statistical graphic while others consider data visualization to be what I call data art: paying more attention to novelty and attracting attention than to communicating clearly and accurately. Information visualization need not be of quantitative data. This figure may be “all of the above” depending on one’s definitions.
February 5th, 2010 at 12:05 am
Naomi, you are absolutely right in that this could fit into multiple categories. My intention with this post was to highlight the disconnection on the definitions of each and how they are used somewhat interchangeably.
Thank you for your comment and sharing this information with the readers!