New & Improved Data Visualization On The Way

Let me start by saying I’m sorry. I’m sorry the charts on my site kind of suck.

I use a lot of data on this site and I attempt to make the data understandable using charts. Up until now, my methods were amateurish. I went to great lengths to make decent charts using Excel, then cut corners by just posting screengrab images that ended up looking a bit fuzzy. I suppose that’s OK in the sense that Calibre 1040 is a pro bono operation: you get what you pay for.

But I’m not happy with the results so I started digging into better data visualization methods. Look for any charts I add going forward to be easier to read, responsive to your device and browser, and even interactive. Here’s a brief taste:

Be sure to roll your mouse over the columns for data labels. Also, when you sort or filter the table, the chart should adjust. Fancy!

Right now I’m experimenting with open-source chart libraries which are fun but have their limitations. As you can see above, no second axis or combination chart, but it is a much cleaner visual than this recent screengrab effort:

And sadly there are no fun or interactive levers to pull on a boring old image.

Eventually I’m hoping to convert my database from Excel to either Google Sheets or possibly MySQL so I can make complex visuals like combination charts with multiple axes. Ultimately I’d like to sync my database with my site so you can see the production estimates in real time, rather than occasional updates every three months or so.

I do not plan on doing a full replacement of all of my charts just yet (remember the part about being pro bono??), but I’m hoping that going forward I won’t have to resort to screengrabs again.

And if you know of any WordPress plugins that can replicate Excel charts well, let me know. I’m open to suggestions.