Changing stubborn opinions with visualizations [case study]
We, analysts take pride in the fact that we tell stories. But what if you have a boss, client or colleague who wouldn’t buy the story?
This is a problem we face often. Let’s say your boss has stubborn opinion about something, like more advertising leads to more sales. You know the data doesn’t support this theory. But how do you change your boss’ mind?
Here is an interesting way, showcased in NY Times recently.
A better chart to visualize “Best places to live” – Top 100 cities comparison Excel chart
Recently, I saw this chart on Economist website.
It is trying to depict how various cities rank on livability index and how they compare to previous ranking (2014 vs 2009).
As you can see, this chart is not the best way to visualize “Best places to live”.
Few reasons why,
- The segregated views (blue, gray & red) make it hard to look for a specific city or region
- The zig-zag lines look good, but incredibly hard to understand % changes (or absolute changes)
- Labels are all over the place, thus making data interpretation hard.
- Some points have no labels (or ambiguous labels) leading to further confusion.
After examining the chart long & hard, I got thinking.
Its no fun criticizing someones work. Creating a better chart from this data, now thats awesome.
CP006: How to be a better analyst? – Road map for getting better at Data Analysis & Improving your career prospects
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In the 6th session of Chandoo.org podcast, we focus on making you a better analyst and propose a road map for getting better at data analysis & improving your career prospects.
In this podcast you will learn,
- Why become a better analyst?
- The road map for becoming a better analyst – BETTER framework
- B for Business Knowledge
- E for Examining user needs
- T for Thinking about analysis
- T for Tools of Trade ie Excel
- E for Expression
- R for Refining yourself
- Conclusions
CP005: Introduction to Form Controls – an interview with Debra Dalgleish
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In the 5th session of Chandoo.org podcast, we are going to demystify form controls.
I am very happy and excited to interview my good friend, fellow Excel MVP, author, blogger and virtual mentor – Debra Dalgleish about this topic.
In this podcast, you will learn,
- What are form controls
- When you would use them?
- Example form control – Combo box
- How form controls differ from active-x controls
- How to enable form controls in your Excel?
- Various important form controls
- Special bonus & how to obtain it
Excel Links for you – Busy busy edition
As the launch date for our 2nd batch of Power Pivot class nears, my plate looks fuller than ever. Fine tuning the course details, preparing our online classroom for new batch of students and coordinating with Rob for video recording etc.
But I wanted to take a few mins today and share with you some really useful Excel tricks, ideas and examples from web. I found these really useful and inspiring. I am sure you will learn from these links as much as I learned.
Are you ready for 2,000 miles, 15 days & 10 Excel tips road trip?
Finally my Excel classes in USA are over. It was a lot of fun traveling to new cities, teaching Excel & dashboards to enthusiastic crowds and making new friends. As if that is not fun enough, we (Jo, kids & I) are going on a 2,000 mile, 2 week road trip starting today.
Although I am enjoying all this, I also feel bad for not taking enough time to share new tricks, ideas & techniques with you here. So, I have a wacky, wild & awesome plan for you. Join us on our road trip.
That is right. You can join me on our road trip and see what I see, learn some pretty cool Excel tricks, all while sipping coffee and stretching legs in the comfort of your office cubicle.
Visualize Excel salaries around world with these 66 Dashboards
Ladies & gentleman, put on your helmets. This is going to be mind-blowingly awesome.
See how many different ways are there to analyze Excel salary data. Look at these 66 fantastic, beautifully crafted dashboards and learn how to one up your dashboard awesomeness quotient.