Choose the Right Visual Construct for Your Data

Scenario #5
1. Graph
For the given scenario, the representation through Graphs will be better because of the
following reasons:

Document will not be used to look up individual values by the Operation Manager
It will neither be used to compare individual values
Precise Values of productivity is not required
The message to be communicated is contained in the trend and pattern of the values
It will be primarily used to reveal the relationships between productivity and increasing
number of employees
2. Correlation
In graphical representation, Correlation is the best form of representation to reveal the
relationship between productivity and number of employees. This will also provide a clear
trends or pattern for the Operation Manager for visualization.
3. Points & Lines
In order to provide the right visual construct for the scenario, Points and Lines will clearly
present the relationship without focusing much on the actual values, which is the requirement.
4. Colour Coding
The graphical representation should be colour coded for both number of employees hired and
productivity to clearly distinguish between the two for the purpose of deriving the relationship.
Illustration
The illustration of the above mentioned points is shown below for a clear understanding of how
the constructs can be used to visualize the relationships clearly:

62
60
58
56
54
52
50
48
46
44

90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Number of Employees Hired

********

Aug

Sep

Oct

Productivity

Nov

Dec

Productivity

Number of Employees Hired

Scenario #5