Data Visualization Rules of Thumb:

1. DVs must pass the "stand-alone test"- the DV must tell a story by itself. The burden of knowledge does not fall on the consumer, but the DV's designer. Y-andX-axis labels should not include non-intuitive acronyms or initialisms that force the reader to consult Google or your write-up. All data labels should be present- always assume your reader is a layperson. All data labels should be intuitive for a layperson. Don't assume your data processing software's native labeling is necessarily the best.
2. DVs must be parsimonious. Parsimony is a guiding principle that suggests that all things being equal, you should prefer the simplest possible explanation for a phenomenon or the simplest possible solution to a problem. Iftwographs could have easily been combined into one, the two are not parsimonious. However, over-complicating a single graph is also not parsimonious. Parsimony is difficult. Know that Excel's or Tableau's first guess at your graph is rarely, if ever, parsimonious.
3. DVs must use the right method of visualization (e.g., line graphs are used to illustrate changes over time, while bar charts are used to show categorical data, etc.)
4. DVs must be readable (e.g., mind your typeface size!)
5. Make mindful color considerations (e.g., indistinguishable categorical color gradientsa common problem with Excel's and Tableau's suggested color families)
6. Whenever possible, DVs should include benchmarks Benchmarks create value of data DVswithout benchmarks often convey low or no value to a lay audience Benchmarking is how we visually demonstrate how an individual or entity is performing compared to a set of standards Benchmarking can be done against prior performance, peers (internal or external), internally set benchmarks, or externally set requirement

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Discussion:

1. Find and upload a data visualization you have seen online (or go find one) that visualizes data related to healthcare or population health that violates at least TWO of the data visualization rules of thumb.

2. Describe ONE of those violations with your initial post. Be sure to include a description of why it's problematic for the end user. A minimum of fifty words, please.

3. Describe the second data visualization rule of thumb violation. Be sure to include a description of why it's problematic for the end user. A minimum of fifty words, please.