Data visualization and understanding the significance of editorial thinking
In data analysis, data visualization matters because it is concerned with the ways in which the intended audience is going to perceive the data. As the name suggests, data visualization mainly deals with the visual or representation part of the information. Data can be represented in the form of a chart, table, or graph (Kirk, 2012). These are vital visual elements that help the audience understand trends and common patterns. The editorial thinking mainly refers to the type of thinking that can influence the data creator to design and develop patterns that audiences will be able to perceive and make sense.
Outlining the importance
Representation or portrayal of data depends on the expertise of the data analyst. The analyst is free to choose one type over another and need to consider data subjectivity as well. For instance, the analyst can set values and date parameters. He or she is supposed to make legitimate and reasonable choices based on the audience’s needs. The analyst can make changes after noticing any interesting pattern in the given set of data. Further, choosing minimum values and displaying the data is considered as a sensible choice. Hence, these elements are part of editorial thinking.
There is a full availability of design options, and editorial thinking can enhance the way data is represented to the audience (Dykes, 1997). They can modify the features along with the quality of data. The purpose of this kind of thinking is to ensure a smooth workflow. An example can be considered where editorial thinking can play a vital function. A data analyst might have received data regarding the expenditure pattern of an organization. The gathered data is broken down based on geographic areas and spread across a span of three years. Suddenly, the analyst might have found some interesting changes in the data set that he/she might want to include. In this moment of decision, the analyst needs to question the validity of including the pattern and whether the audience will be interested in seeing the pattern. Following that, the analyst will decide the chart type, overall layout, and level of interaction with the audience.
Personal thoughts and considerations
Editorial thinking, particularly in the case of online journalism, can be useful as per my understanding. Success and basis of journalism are the quality of news content, and an analyst is supposed to make appropriate and sensible choices regarding the design of data based on the viewer’s needs (Wyatt & Badger, 1993). The viewers will usually make judgments if they fail to make sense of the graphs and charts. Therefore, editorial thinking can help in deciding the proper angle, focus, and frame.
The data is supposed to be appealing, engaging, and difficult to ignore. The factor known as “human interest” is a crucial part of online journalism. Hence, proximity and familiarity are also important ingredients necessary for consideration. Easy interpretation is vital for the success, and at every moment, clarity should be prioritized over unnecessary designs and unhelpful information. These are vital insights regarding editorial thinking.