How do you communicate insights and stories with parallel coordinates?

1 What are parallel coordinates?

Parallel coordinates are a way of representing data points as lines that connect values across multiple dimensions or variables. Each dimension is represented by a vertical axis, and the axes are arranged in parallel. The position of a line on an axis corresponds to the value of that dimension for that data point. For example, if you have a data set of cars with dimensions such as price, horsepower, fuel efficiency, and weight, you can plot each car as a line that connects its values on each axis.

2 Why use parallel coordinates?

Parallel coordinates are a useful tool for visualizing and analyzing complex data sets that have many dimensions or variables. With this approach, you can answer questions such as how the dimensions are related or correlated, how the data points cluster or group together, how they differ or vary across dimensions, and how they behave or change over time or space. Additionally, parallel coordinates allow users to compare multiple data points simultaneously, identify patterns and outliers, and uncover hidden relationships and dependencies.

3 How to create parallel coordinates?

Creating parallel coordinates can be done with the help of tools and libraries such as R, Python, D3.js, and Tableau. When creating a visualization, the dimensions or variables should be chosen based on the research question, data quality, and data type. The axes should then be arranged in a logical order, such as based on importance, similarity, correlation, or sequence. Additionally, the axes should be scaled appropriately with linear, logarithmic, or normalized scales depending on the data distribution and range. Visual attributes such as line width, opacity, and color can be adjusted to enhance readability and aesthetics of the visualization as well as to encode additional information or highlight certain data points.

4 How to interpret parallel coordinates?

Parallel coordinates can be difficult to read and understand, but there are some tips to help you interpret them. Horizontal lines indicate constant or equal values across dimensions, while vertical lines indicate missing or undefined values for a dimension. Parallel lines indicate positive correlation or similarity between dimensions, and crossed lines indicate negative correlation or difference between dimensions. Clusters of lines indicate groups of data points that share similar values or characteristics, and outliers represent data points with extreme or unusual values or behaviors.

5 How to tell stories with parallel coordinates?

Parallel coordinates can be used to effectively communicate insights and stories with data to an audience. Titles, labels, annotations, and captions can be employed to provide context and explanation. Additionally, interactive features such as tooltips, filters, or brushes can be used to allow exploration and interaction with the data. Narratives, scenarios, or comparisons can guide your audience through the parallel coordinates while transitions, animations, or highlights can demonstrate changes or contrasts in the data. Design principles like contrast, alignment, hierarchy, and balance can be used to make the visualization more visually appealing and clear. Colors, shapes, or icons can create associations or emotions with the data. These tips will help you create parallel coordinates that reveal insights and stories with your data.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?