Data visualization / Marketing Terms Data visualization Data visualization is the practice of presenting data in a visual format, such as charts, graphs, maps or infographics, to make information easier to understand, analyse and communicate. By turning raw data into visual elements, data visualization helps identify trends, patterns, outliers and insights that may not be obvious in text or spreadsheets. It is a key tool in data storytelling and is widely used in business, journalism, education and research. Effective data visualization balances clarity, accuracy and design. Common formats include bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, scatter plots, heat maps and dashboards. Tools such as Tableau, Power BI, Google Data Studio and Excel allow users to build interactive or static visualizations that highlight key performance indicators or support decision-making. For example, a nonprofit might use a dashboard to track campaign performance in real time, or a SaaS company might present product usage trends to internal teams. Good visualization focuses on context and purpose. It answers specific questions, avoids unnecessary complexity and highlights what matters most to the audience. Colour, scale, layout and labels all affect how data is interpreted. Misleading visuals can distort meaning or cause confusion, so accuracy and transparency are essential. When used well, data visualization turns numbers into knowledge and helps teams make informed, timely decisions. Whether used in reports, presentations or digital dashboards, it supports collaboration and boosts data literacy across the organisation.