I recently enjoyed speaking at Data2speak (https://data-2-speak.com/conference2023) on visual best practices, Tableau Public, and the wonderful Tableau User Group Community. Here’s a recap of some key points and resources for those who couldn’t make it:

Why Visual Best Practices Matter

Data visualization isn’t just about making things look pretty – it’s about effective communication. By following visual best practices, you ensure your dashboards and visualizations are:

• Easy to Understand: Your audience can grasp the insights quickly.
• Accurate: Your visuals don’t mislead or misrepresent the data.
• Impactful: Your message resonates and drives action.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

We all make mistakes, but some common ones to avoid in data visualization include:

• Too much clutter: Keep your visuals clean and focused.
• Inappropriate chart types: Choose charts that best suit your data and message.
• Colour overload: Use colour strategically for emphasis, not a distraction.

Tableau Public – Your Free Playground

Tableau Public is a fantastic resource for beginners and experts alike. You can create, share, and explore a wealth of dashboards and visualizations for free. It’s a great way to:

• Learn by doing: Practice your skills and experiment with different techniques.
• Get inspired: See what others are creating and get ideas for your projects.
• Share your work: Showcase your skills and get feedback from the community.

The Tableau Community – We’re Stronger Together

One of the best things about Tableau is its vibrant community. By joining a Tableau User Group or participating in online forums, you can:

• Learn from experts: Tap into the knowledge and experience of others.
• Collaborate on projects: Share your skills and learn from others.
• Find support: Get help with challenges and celebrate successes.

Getting Started with Tableau

If you’re new to Tableau, don’t be intimidated! There are many resources to help you get started:

• Tableau’s free training videos: A great starting point for learning the basics.
• Tableau User Groups: Find a local group or join online forums for support.
• Tableau Community Projects: Collaborate with others on real-world challenges.

I hope this recap is helpful. Remember, data visualization is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. So, get out there, explore, create, and, most importantly, have fun!

Bonus: If you’d like to explore visual best practices more, I’ve included some additional resources on my website.

Happy visualizing!