Data visualization aims to present data in a way that minimizes the time needed to understand information and reduces errors, by highlighting patterns and features that are not evident in the raw data alone. This enables insights. Anscombe's quartet demonstrates this purpose - the four datasets have nearly identical statistical properties but look very different when graphed, revealing underlying differences. Effective data visualization makes complex data more comprehensible and can be a powerful tool for insight when used skillfully.

2. What is data visualisation for?
• The aim of data visualisation is to present data in a format that
minimises the time we need to understand information and reduces
the risk of error and misinterpretation.
• Bringing out salient features (including errors) that cannot be seen by
examining raw data: in short to enable insight.
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3. Anscombe’s quartet
Four data sets that have near identical statistical properties
I
x y
10 8.04
8 6.95
13 7.58
9 8.81
11 8.33
14 9.96
6 7.24
4 4.26
12 10.84
7 4.82
5 5.68
II
x y
10 9.14
8 8.14
13 8.74
9 8.77
11 9.26
14 8.1
6 6.13
4 3.1
12 9.13
7 7.26
5 4.74
III
x y
10 7.46
8 6.77
13 12.74
9 7.11
11 7.81
14 8.84
6 6.08
4 5.39
12 8.15
7 6.42
5 5.73
IV
x y
8 6.58
8 5.76
8 7.71
8 8.84
8 8.47
8 7.04
8 5.25
19 12.5
8 5.56
8 7.91
8 6.8
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4. I
4

5. II
5

6. III
6

7. IV
7

8. 8

9. What is data visualisation for?
Not just eye-candy…
Source: http://www.microsiervos.com/archivo/azar/loto-estrella.html
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11. HEFCE maps
Participation map
• http://www.hefce.ac.uk/whatwedo/wp/ourresearch/polar/mapofyou
ngparticipationareas/
Data maps of HE provision
• http://www.hefce.ac.uk/whatwedo/crosscutting/coldspots/
• Where’s UBH?

12. HESA mobile application
• M.hesa.ac.uk/uk-he-statistics

13. Data Visualisation – a master
• Hans Rosling
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbkSRLYSojo
Note sound and movement are integral to this example ….
Is this just data visualisation or do you need a Hans Rosling to take this
approach?