Data Viz UX, Episode 5
Today we tackle the fifth and final step in the data viz user experience design process: the beta test. Let’s say you have dutifully followed steps 1-4 by profiling your users, choosing the right data and type of viz, and then refining that viz. Now you have a carefully designed visualization. But does it work on real, live people? Time to find some humans (preferably those similar to your intended users), show them the visualization, and do the following:
Ask them what they think the viz is about and what question(s) it is trying to answer.
Then ask them to try to answer several specific questions using the viz. These questions should focus on the key information you want users to easily extract from the viz.
Take notes. What was difficult for them to figure out? Did they miss any critical aspects of the viz? Did they come to any incorrect conclusions or interesting conclusions you didn’t expect?
Use your notes to revise! Make some aspects of the viz more prominent using color, fade other aspects to the background, add a better title or more captions, remove confusing or distracting elements, even add new data to make clearer comparisons.
See other data tips in this series for more information on how to effectively visualize and make good use of your organization's data.
Photo by Karlijn Prot on Unsplash