What Is Visual Analytics?

Visual analytics is the use of specialty tools and processes to analyze and present data visually. 

This process uses data visualization to show information in visually appealing ways to make it easier and quicker for users to understand what the data is telling them. Visual depictions of data can include anything from simple charts and graphs, to maps and more creative visualizations like infographics.

What is the goal of visual analytics?

The goal of visual analytics is to communicate the meaning behind data in ways that are easy for end users to understand. The idea is that the more visually appealing data is, the less intimidating it will be for users and the more likely they are to both engage with and understand what the data is telling them. 

Ultimately, this will help them communicate more effectively with their co-workers about these data insights, and ensure they can make better informed and more accurate people-related decisions.

Today’s visual analytics serve three purposes: to see, to tell, and to wow. 

How are visual analytics used in HR?

In HR, visual analytics are used in a variety of ways to facilitate more informed decision-making. People analytics, for example, can leverage visualization techniques to help HR teams effectively understand, manage, engage, and retain the workforce.

HR leaders and data scientists aren’t the only members of the organization who can use visual analytics to facilitate better people decisions. Managers and supervisors can too. But managers and supervisors aren’t always equipped with the data analysis skills they need to interpret data effectively and accurately. That’s where visual analytics come into play. Providing them with engaging, and easy-to-understand data that can guide their decisions.

What is an example of visual analytics? 

There are many examples, but a few could include:

• A simple line chart that shows a steep improvement in employee engagement over time.

• A pie chart that depicts the diversity of employees across the organization.

• A bar chart that compares employee engagement across divisions or departments.

• An infographic that visually reports on the results of employee benefit utilization.

Determining the best type of visual analytic to use, as with any type of communication, requires an understanding of the end goal (e.g., what is being communicated and why), the audience, and what form of visual depiction is likely to have the greatest impact while clearly conveying the information.

Read more on visual analytics:    

• What is Data Visualization?

• Visual Storytelling: Are HR Data Visualizations or Infographics Key to Success? 

• How People Analytics Supports Change Management