Common Mistakes and Best Practices for Visualizing Data With Marimekko Charts
Read this article to know the common mistakes and best practices when visualizing data with Marimekko Charts. Check the best practices to use with these charts and best use cases of Marimekko Charts.
Data visualization is an integral aspect of modern analytics, bridging the gap between raw data and actionable insights. While many are familiar with bar charts, pie charts, and scatter plots, the Marimekko chart remains a lesser-known yet powerful tool in the data visualizer's arsenal. These charts, which combine the features of a mosaic plot and a stacked column chart, are incredibly effective at presenting categorical data across two dimensions. But like any visualization, Marimekko charts come with their own unique set of best practices to ensure clarity and understanding.Mistake 1: Overcomplicating the Design
If you're wondering how to make Marimekko chart designs, begin by selecting two categorical variables that you want to highlight. The horizontal axis usually represents a particular segment, while the vertical axis might show the size of each segment. The width of a column shows the proportion of one category, and the height of each segment within that column indicates the proportion of a second category.
However, a common pitfall is cramming too much information into one chart. Marimekko charts are best suited for visualizing a limited number of categories. Overloading the chart with too many categories or subcategories can make it confusing and reduce its effectiveness.
Best Practice: Limit the number of categories you're visualizing. If you find yourself working with numerous segments, it may be beneficial to reconsider whether the Marimekko chart is the right tool or if data can be aggregated into broader categories.Mistake 2: Ignoring the Importance of Color
Color plays an essential role in Marimekko charts, given that they often represent multiple categories and subcategories simultaneously. Using colors that are too similar can lead to confusion, especially if there are many segments to differentiate between.
Best Practice: Use contrasting colors for each major category. For subcategories, consider using different shades of the major category's color. Tools like colorblind-friendly palettes can help ensure that your visualizations are accessible to all users.Mistake 3: Overlooking Labeling and Annotations
Marimekko charts, with their unique blend of columns and segments, can sometimes be confusing to those seeing them for the first time. Proper labeling is crucial to ensure that your target audience understands the information being presented.
Best Practice: Clearly label both the major categories and the subcategories. If space allows, include percentage values or actual numbers for clarity. Annotations can also be added to highlight specific points of interest or anomalies within the data.Mistake 4: Neglecting the Aspect Ratio
The rectangular segments of the Marimekko chart represent the combined contribution of two categorical variables. However, if the chart's aspect ratio is not balanced—either too wide or too tall—it can distort the perception of these contributions.
Best Practice: Ensure that the chart's aspect ratio does justice to the quantitative data being presented. If one category dominates in terms of width, consider splitting the data into multiple Marimekko charts for clearer visualization.Mistake 5: Over-relying on the Marimekko Chart
While Marimekko charts can be incredibly useful, they're not always the best choice for every type of data visualization. They shine when visualizing the interaction of two categorical variables, but other chart types might be more suitable for different data sets or to answer specific questions.
Best Practice: Always consider your audience and the primary message or insight you want to convey. If the Marimekko chart doesn't fit the bill, opt for another visualization that does. Remember, the main aim of any visualization is to make data more understandable, not to showcase a specific type of chart.Wrapping up: Perfecting Your Marimekko Visualization
Like any tool, the Marimekko chart's effectiveness depends on how it's used. By being aware of common mistakes and following best practices, you can craft compelling, clear, and insightful visualizations that harness the power of this unique chart type. Always keep the end goal in mind: presenting data in a manner that's both informative and easy to comprehend. Whether you're a seasoned data analyst or just dipping your toes into the world of data visualization, the Marimekko chart offers a captivating way to showcase the intricate dance of categorical data.
