Choosing the Right Data Visualization Tool: A Guide to Infographics, Placemats, and Dashboards
March 2025
This article is rated as:
As evaluators, we excel at analyzing data, but presenting findings in a compelling and engaging way can be challenging. Selecting the right visualization tool is critical for effectively communicating data stories to our clients. This guide explores three useful visualization approaches – infographics, data placemats, and dashboards – and demonstrates how to leverage each tool to drive impact and engagement.
Understanding the Data Visualization Tools
Infographics
Infographics transform complex data into compelling visual narratives that guide audiences through key findings and concepts. While they require significant upfront investment in design and data expertise, infographics need minimal maintenance once completed.
Key characteristics of infographics include:
Integration of visuals, data, and narrative elements
Aesthetic design that enhances understanding
Focus on a single clear message or concept
Best practices for infographics:
Begin with a clear story or message
Create a logical information flow
Maintain consistent visual styling
Emphasize visuals over text
Software options: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva
Best For: Communication of clear, focused messages to broad audiences, particularly in public-facing communications and executive summaries.
Data Placemats
Data placemats bridge the gap between raw data and meaningful insights by facilitating collaborative interpretation with stakeholders. These tools require moderate initial setup and periodic updates for meetings.
Key characteristics of data placemats include:
Multiple related visualizations on a single page
Dedicated space for stakeholder input and notes
Simple, digestible presentation of preliminary data
Grayscale formatting to encourage discussion
Best practices for data placemats:
Keep visualizations clear and straightforward
Use grayscale to focus on data interpretation
Provide adequate space for feedback
Include guiding questions for discussion
Software options: Excel, Tableau
Best For: Gathering stakeholder feedback on preliminary findings and building consensus around data interpretation.
Dashboards
Dashboards provide real-time views of key metrics and performance indicators, enabling continuous data monitoring and informed decision-making. While they require substantial technical expertise and ongoing maintenance, their automated features make them valuable for long-term data tracking.
Key characteristics of dashboards include:
Simultaneous display of related metrics
Interactive data exploration features (e.g., filters, slicers)
Regular automated updates
Customizable views for different user needs
Best practices for dashboards:
Focus on key metrics
Group related information together
Provide intuitive filtering controls
Include comprehensive user training
Software options: PowerBI, Tableau
Best For: Continuous performance monitoring and regular reporting cycles.
Selecting the Right Approach
Selecting the right visualization method starts with understanding the key purpose of your data visualizations. Consider who will use the visualization, how they will use it, and what decisions they need to make. The table below aligns common purposes with the best visualization choice to help you select the most effective data visualization tool for your needs.
Additionally, consider these factors when choosing the right data visualization tool for your needs.
Audience preferences: Consider your audience's comfort level with different data visualization tools
Resource availability: Assess the technical skills, available software, and time constraints required
Update frequency: Determine how often the visualization will need to be updated
Distribution method: Think about how and where the visualization will be shared (print, digital, presentation, etc.)
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Effective data visualization depends on providing clear, focused insights that resonate with your clients or audience. Whether designing simple charts or complex dashboards, certain data visualization pitfalls can transform your helpful visualizations into sources of confusion. Watch out for these common challenges:
Too much information: including too much data in a single visualization can overwhelm the audience and obscure key messages
Overcomplication: adding too many elements or metrics can make visualizations difficult to interpret
Missing context: failing to provide necessary background information can lead to misinterpretation
Underestimating resource demand: underestimating the time and expertise needed for maintenance and updates can impact the success of these data visualizations
Conclusion
These guidelines provide a foundation for selecting your data visualization approach—whether infographics, data placemats, or dashboards. While each method has its strengths, success ultimately depends on how well your visualizations resonate with your audience. Remain open to experimentation and seek early feedback as you develop your approach. By staying flexible and responsive to your audience's needs, you can create more engaging and effective data stories that drive meaningful insights and action.
New Resource:
Eval Academy also designed a helpful infographic to guide you in selecting the right data visualization tool. Download it here: Choosing the Right Data Visualization Tool