A very insightful article on Business Information Design, critical in translating BI into easily consumable visualization.

1. Business Information Design: A Proven Methodology for Translating BI into Easily
Consumable Visualizations
The concept of data visualization has gained momentum in recent years. Information
visualization or data visualization also called as visual analytics is being used prevalently in
Business Intelligence software. It involves representing crucial business information by means
of charts and graphs. Graphical representations reach the users more easily and also make
sense. Also the analysts can also spot the various patterns or trends without difficulty. Arriving
at actionable decisions is also facilitated. Visualizations in BI as a result form its core and I’d say
that this concept is the future of BI too.
Representing Information in a Better Way
Information forms the crux on which businesses depend on for their survival. As far as I know,
each and every field of business relies heavily on information. The way the information is
gathered, analyzed, and used decides the success or failure of a business. Successful planning,
execution, and veering away from hasty and bad decisions are possible, when you incorporate
information design in your business. The process is an amalgamation of various factors that
work in tandem to create an effective information format, which is easier for the enterprises to
apply in their management.
Ensuring Success in Business
When visualization is used optimally in information, it leverages integration, so the data is
utilized comprehensively. When you hire a firm to see to the visualization and design aspects of
information, you are in effect hiring a proven solution expert as well as a specialized consultant.
What you get as a result includes:
 Optimal analyzing of business segments partially or totally
 Better guidance for reaching the ideal solution
 A successful business process
Maintaining Clarity
The main objective of introducing design into information is for a better usability and clarity of
the data presented. This way data would be more successful. I’ve seen many people mistake
this concept for graphics, which add accessibility and enhance the appeal of information. For
information to be truly understood in all its dimensions, you need to make it easy to access and
use, not only from a technical or organizational outset, but also in relation to appeal and
usability factor. The key to a successful incorporation of the design in information is to use

2. proven methodology in BI. From the initiation stage through the planning, design, building, and
implementation to the support offered, every single step is important for the visualization to
reap benefits for the business.
Downside of Leveraging on Visualization
Technological growth has seen many new concepts and products in BI being introduced over
the years, making it difficult for enterprises to opt for the right choice from the plethora of
various POC or Proof or Concepts. The possibility of not making the right choice is very high as
visualization at times cannot provide the insight needed to understand information.
I’ve seen many enterprises falter in their decision making process as a result. Superficial
infographics lead to improper or underutilized data or in worst cases misinterpreted data,
which can affect businesses immensely. In most situations the information design is depicted in
such a manner that it appeals to the user only on a superficial level. It doesn’t however
penetrate into the core and give a meaningful interpretation. Sometimes this results in the
information taking on a very little value.
Restructuring Information
Data access and ad hoc analysis form two key components that influence decision making in an
enterprise. The need for information being represented in a more efficient and effective way
has been the resolution what organizations are looking for. One such tool in BI is Excel. Most
analysts find that the tools in Excel like Power Pivot and Power Query help in linking disparate
data sources to fuse them into one single form that makes it easy for analysis. I’ve also found
that newer and deeper insights are possible this way. Exploring data takes on a new dimension
as you get to work with innovative metrics and fresh perspectives, which exponentially enhance
the success quotient in an enterprise.
Visualizations in BI have been used successfully for a long time though it has taken on a new
and fresh look now with digital integrations. The acclaim goes to the technological advances
that have made the entire process easier to accomplish. Since visualization in the present
milieu needs multi-disciplinary methodology with the rate at which information is piling up, the
design quality also needs to be improved to get the needed balance. For more information, you
can visit TATA BSS page.