The Art and Science of Data Visualization

People tend to be very receptive to visual information, which is why it is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. This adage is especially true in data science, where data visualization transforms complex datasets into more readily digestible insights. What is data visualization? Very simply, data visualization is the thoughtful display of data to facilitate understanding. As scientists, we use data visualization to understand data and communicate results. The information we derive from data is used to answer questions for research or science-based advice and then carefully packaged visually to enhance understanding.