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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
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!
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.
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!
How about something like this ?
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!
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.
sorry, I haven't noticed, will give it a thorough look, thanks!
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.
I noticed too and didn't question it, indeed can happen to be useful!
thanks again, will let you know
I was playing around with Bill's example and came up with what I think looks effective.
PFA