Online Program

Effective Visual Communication: How to Become a Graphics Superhero (or Three) (305275)

David Hall, Novartis Pharmaceuticals 
Alison Margolskee, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research 
*Edward Waldron, Novartis Pharmaceuticals 

Keywords: Statistical graphics, Data visualization, Effective visual communication

Effective visual communication is a core task for all quantitative scientists including statisticians, epidemiologists, machine learning experts, bioinformaticians, etc. By using the right graphical principles, we can better understand data, highlight core insights and influence decisions toward appropriate actions. Without it, we can fool ourselves and others and pave the way to wrong conclusions and actions. In this talk, we outline three core principles of effective visual communication: Have a clear purpose; show the data clearly; and make the message obvious. Each principle is associated with a superhero mnemonic. We will work through examples of good and bad data visualizations and will provide opportunities for audience participation. Are you ready to acquire superpowers?