topic how to visualise separate targets in same chart in QlikView

how to visualise separate targets in same chart

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:05:41 GMT

Dear all,

I need to create charts for some sets of data, where, in each chart, the latest results of various Business Units are visualised.

In the same chart, these results need to be benchmarked against targets, which are different for every BU.

These charts will be pretty much static. It is just meant to give a snapshot overview, no user interaction, all data is fixed by using set analysis in the expression. Data variability is hence a function only of weekly data reload.

I am trying to have some inspirations by researching around in the internet, but with no success so far.

I was also reading this document

http://community.qlik.com/servlet/JiveServlet/previewBody/3759-102-7-4403/Popular%20Data%20Visualization%20-%20Intuitive…

interesting, but not so useful for my matter.

From a data point of view, I created an additional target field, with the values of the targets and the applicable BU labels.

attached I have three options I came up with, but they are all somehow unsatisfactory for one reason or another

solution A.

very easy to maintain. hard to read; rather than result Vs. actual, it shows the result vs the gap to the target (if overachievement, gap is on the left of the bar)

actual numbers for the results / to be achieved do not appear if the segment is too short

solution B.

creation of two charts, layered above each other. So quite some maintenance is required, because charts tend to misalign if results are starting to be unexpectedly big or small. Results are directly comparable to targets; but I cannot find a way to show target values.

solution C.

also here we have layered charts plus some graphics objects. Very high maintenance. Very messy (as you can see in picture already). Targets values are visible, but indeed it easily gets messy.

How would you display these?

Do you please have some suggestions for me?

Thank you so much!

Re: how to visualise separate targets in same chart

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:27:56 GMT

Personally I would keep it really, really simple and just use a straight table.

Using a Bar Chart, or indeed any kind of chart, for such sparse data just introduces clutter.that will distract the user from the information you wish to provide.

Stephen Few's books on visualisation are well worth a read.

Re: how to visualise separate targets in same chart

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:30:03 GMT

thank you for your input Bill

but this is the same old story. Tell to management that a chart would be better...."no, we want graphs!"

I see if I can retrieve a copy of that book, but in the meantime any feedback would be enormously appreciated!

Re: Re: how to visualise separate targets in same chart

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 15:43:06 GMT

How about something like this ?

Re: Re: how to visualise separate targets in same chart

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 09:18:45 GMT

Dear Bill,

this seems to be a better way to visualise the data.

Do you have the sample qvw of this so I can see how you arranged to do the "9% above target" and so on?

thx!

Re: Re: Re: how to visualise separate targets in same chart

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 09:28:56 GMT

The qvw was attached, I have attached it again just in case.

The "n% above target' was an expression displayed as "Values on Data Points". Have a look at the expression above it with no Label which sets all value to 10% more than the max displayed values but then displays the line in white() so it is not visible. It is needed to line up the "n% above target' 's, try disabling it and you'll see what it does.

Re: Re: how to visualise separate targets in same chart

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 09:37:48 GMT

sorry, I haven't noticed, will give it a thorough look, thanks!

Re: how to visualise separate targets in same chart

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 09:40:15 GMT

Just noticed the second attachment of it has some extra bits in it I was fiddling with, they may give some additional food for thought.

Re: Re: how to visualise separate targets in same chart

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 09:54:00 GMT

I noticed too and didn't question it, indeed can happen to be useful!

thanks again, will let you know

Re: Re: how to visualise separate targets in same chart

flipside — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 10:25:39 GMT

I was playing around with Bill's example and came up with what I think looks effective.

PFA

Re: Re: how to visualise separate targets in same chart

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 10:41:31 GMT

thank you for your input PFA!!

I have to say, graphically I like yours more.

But in terms of readability, I think Bill' s is more effective (although I will make and am making the actual results displayed as bars and targets displayed as single points)

In your representation, I am not right away understanding for example the actuals for Bhutan. is it the grey part, and the red part is what is missing to reach target?

I mean, I am pretty sure the red part is actually the gap to fill to reach target, but it is not immediately readable.

Maybe it would be better if the red part would also come on the right side of the bar, what do you think?

and. most important, is it feasible to have the red part on the right side of the bar?

But really thank you so much for your input!!

Re: Re: how to visualise separate targets in same chart

flipside — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 10:50:43 GMT

Yes, perhaps moving the red to become the shortfall would make more sense, should be possible.

Re: Re: Re: how to visualise separate targets in same chart

flipside — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 11:18:28 GMT

Maybe this is more logical ...

flipside