Data Visualization with JavaScript

Chapter 1. Graphing Data

Many people think of data visualization as intricate interactive graphics of dazzling complexity. Creating effective visualizations, however, doesn’t require Picasso’s artistic skill or Turing’s programming expertise. In fact, when you consider the ultimate purpose of data visualization—helping users understand data—simplicity is one of the most important features of an effective visualization. Simple, straightforward charts are often the easiest to understand.

After all, users have seen hundreds or thousands of bar charts, line charts, X/Y plots, and the like. They know the conventions that underlie these charts, so they can interpret a well-designed example effortlessly. If a simple, static chart presents the data best, ...