The Only 5 Data Viz Books You Need

Hello friend,

While you may be in the middle of learning SQL, Tableau, python, or Power BI, don’t forget to upskill data visualization and storytelling.

Two of the most underrated skills in data. And ones that don’t only apply for Data Analysts.

If you are an aspiring or current data scientist or data engineer, storytelling is also a critical skill for you as well.

But where do you start? There’s hundreds of books out there and I want to provide you with 5 essential ones to add to your library today.

Today in Under 5 Minutes You Will Learn

✅The best books to master data storytelling and visualization

✅An all-in-one platform to practice these critical skills

Storytelling with Data

This book delves deeply into the vital art of crafting a story out of data. According to Knaflic, one of the most important aspects of being a data analyst is communicating and explaining your findings to others. In each section, you'll find real-world examples and guidelines for improving your charts and use storytelling strategies to communicate your findings successfully. This book is a must-have for every data analyst's library because of Knaflic's novel approach to data visualization, which teaches readers how to make data-driven tales more convincing.

Better Data Visualizations

Learn about the many data visualization methods and when to apply them with the help of this book. Instead of just listing many chart kinds, data visualization expert Schwabish explains each type's function, ideal applications, and creation procedures. This book covers the groundwork of visualization, more advanced methods, and a selection of useful applications. If you're a data analyst, "Better Data Visualizations" can help you sharpen your visualization skills so that your reports are clear and easy to understand.

Information Dashboard Design

Many business settings rely on dashboards, and this book provides a wealth of information on their efficient design. Few prefers straightforwardness and clarity to flash that detract from the message. His advice on keeping the dashboard user-friendly while avoiding typical errors is invaluable. The ability of a data analyst to grasp and implement these guidelines might determine whether or not their dashboard is a useful decision-making tool.

Big Book of Dashboards

Data analysts will find the "Big Book of Dashboards" to be a valuable reference when dealing with real-world data settings. It gathers and evaluates numerous industry dashboards, explaining their success and suggesting enhancements. Each case study offers insight into how you might use similar strategies in your work. In addition, the authors are all established authorities, so readers can benefit from hearing first-hand accounts of their successes and failures. This book is a gold mine of information for data analysts that includes theory and practical guidance on building effective dashboards.

Show Me the Numbers

"Show Me the Numbers" is another must-read book by Stephen Few, and it explains how to make informative charts and tables. In an accessible and interesting manner, Few outlines the fundamental principles of data presentation, arguing for the importance of simplicity, clarity, and integrity in all visualizations. The book is packed with tasks and examples to help readers put his advice into practice and internalize it. This book is a resource for data analysts looking to better express the story hidden in their data through the use of visuals.

What’s Next

While you can read these books on your own, I will hold a project-based book club that goes over some of the books on this list. You can also practice your data storytelling and visualization skills continually.

One Last Thing

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Until next time,

Kedeisha Bryan

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