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Data Visualisation using SSRS: The Good, the Bad

and the Ugly

twitter: @jenstirruphttp://www.jenstirrup.com

March 2011Copper Blue Business Intelligence Ltd

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Why Data Vis

Computers have promised us a fountain of wisdom but delivered a flood of data (Frawley, 1992)

What is Data Visualisation?

• Data Visualisationwhich allows the data consumer to draw

their own conclusions. • Very often, the data is not static in nature, but

fluid and dynamic.

Why not just tables?Zimbabwean inflation rates (official) since independenceDate Rate Date Rate Date Rate Date Rate Date Rate Date Rate

1980 7% 1981 14% 1982 15% 1983 19% 1984 10% 1985 10%

1986 15% 1987 10% 1988 8% 1989 14% 1990 17% 1991 48%

1992 40% 1993 20% 1994 25% 1995 28% 1996 16% 1997 20%

1998 48% 1999 56.9% 200055.22%

2001112.1%

2002198.93%

2003598.75%

2004132.75%

2005585.84%

20061,281.11%

200766,212.3%

2008

231,150,888.87% (July)

Thinking with your Eyes

Translated into picture…

What makes a good visualisation?

• Effective• Accurate: – Lie factor = size of visual effect/size of data effect

• Efficient• Aesthetics• Adaptable

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The Bad…and the Ugly• Pie Chart• Chartjunk• 3D vs 2D

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The Bad…and the Ugly• Pie Chart

Lost Finale: Mins Breakdown

Filler

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Questions Answered

Chartjunk Example

Linear vs Quadratic

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Chartjunk: unintended

3D vs 2D

Studies show that:2D graphs better for comprehension2D graphs were better for complex graphs3D often considered aesthetically more pleasing

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Reporting Structure

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Sploms

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Back to the Royal Road

• Questions?