edenhuangsh / ggplot_exercise_using_diamond_data

Data Visualization Exercise

Transforming Data

The data on percentage of instructors over time comes from a 2013 American Association of University Professors (AAUP) report. An excel-based visualization was the starting point of this assignment.

Problems with the orginal visualization

• Date is a catagorical value making it hard to track trends over time.
• To many colors becomes confusing; the choice of colors could be more pleasing.
• Bars and background have shading which is a distracting visual choice.
• Tilted catagory labels make it hard to read.
• No labels on x-axis and legend make it unclear what is being compared.
• Numerical axis does not begin at zero making bars perceptually difficult to compare.

Plotting with ggplot2

Problems resolved with the new plot

• Date is now a continous variable making it easier to compare trends over time. In addition, it is much easier to see how the dates are not evenly spaced.
• Colors have been reassigned to the five faculty types increasing visual distinctiveness. In addition, colors have been chosen that are saturated, distict, and pleasing.
• A flat light gray background makes the plot distinct but doesn't overpower the content.
• Bold catagory labels make information stand out. In addition color-coded faculty labels makes it easier to match groups.

Problems not resolved with the new plot

• Numerical axis still does not start at zero. A tradeoff between aestetics and accuracy.

Theme inspired by 538. Colors based on MATLAB default colors.