This task relates to a sequence of assessments that will be…

This task relates to a sequence of assessments that will be repeated across Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Select any example of a visualisation or infographic, maybe your own work or that of others. The task is to undertake a deep, detailed ‘forensic’ like assessment of the design choices made across each of the five layers of the chosen visualisation’s anatomy. In each case your assessment is only concerned with one design layer at a time. For this task, take a close look at the data representation choices: Assignment Link: http://book.visualisingdata.com/chapter/chapter-6 At least 500 words in length At least peer-reviewed, scholarly journal references.

Introduction:

In this assessment, we will conduct a detailed analysis of the design choices made in each of the five layers of a chosen visualisation. The focus of this assessment is on the data representation choices employed in the selected infographic. We have chosen an infographic titled “Global Carbon Emissions” from Chapter 6 of the book “Visualising Data” by Dr. Andy Kirk.

Data Representation Choices:

The selected infographic effectively presents information about global carbon emissions using multiple data representation methods. These choices can be categorized into several subcategories, including visualization types, encoding methods, and spatial arrangements.

Visualization Types:

The infographic employs various visualization types to represent different aspects of global carbon emissions. Firstly, a bar chart is used to compare the carbon emissions of different countries. This is an appropriate choice as the bar chart enables clear comparisons and allows for easy identification of high-emitting countries. The bar chart is accompanied by a color gradient, which further enhances the visual perception of variations in emissions levels.

Secondly, a line chart is used to demonstrate the historical trends in global carbon emissions. This choice effectively conveys the continuous nature of the data and enables the identification of key patterns and changes over time. The use of different colors for different regions adds clarity and helps in understanding the contributions of each region to global emissions.

Lastly, a bubble chart is employed to show the percentage contribution of different sectors to global emissions. The use of varying bubble sizes provides a visual representation of the relative magnitudes of the contributions. This adds an extra layer of information and allows the reader to quickly identify the most significant sectors.

Encoding Methods:

The chosen infographic utilizes effective encoding methods to represent the data accurately. The bar chart encodes the carbon emissions data using the height of the bars, which is a common and easily interpretable method. The length of the bars also reflects the numerical values accurately, ensuring a proportional representation.

Similarly, the line chart encodes the emission data using the position on the y-axis, which corresponds to the emission levels. The use of different colors for different regions provides an additional encoding dimension, allowing the reader to differentiate between regions easily.

The bubble chart encodes the sector contributions using the area of the bubbles, which provides an intuitive understanding of the relative magnitudes. The inclusion of labels for each bubble aids in precise data reading and avoids confusion.

Spatial Arrangements:

The spatial arrangement of the visual elements is crucial for effective data representation. In this infographic, the bar chart and line chart are placed side by side, allowing for easy comparison between the emission levels of different countries and the global emission trends. This spatial arrangement helps in identifying relationships and patterns between the two sets of data.

The bubble chart is positioned below the bar and line charts, enabling a clear separation of the sector contributions from the country and global emissions. This spatial arrangement ensures that each set of data receives appropriate attention and prevents overcrowding of information.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the chosen infographic effectively employs various data representation choices to convey information about global carbon emissions. The selection of appropriate visualization types, encoding methods, and spatial arrangements allows for the accurate and intuitive understanding of the data. The use of bar charts, line charts, and bubble charts, along with appropriate encoding techniques, ensures a clear and meaningful presentation of the data. This analysis demonstrates the thoughtful consideration given to the design choices in each of the five layers of the visualisation’s anatomy.