Visual Classification


Here is a list of visual types and categories used by OKVIZ to classify Power BI visuals. These classifications should help you determine the appropriate features and design elements to evaluate when reviewing a visual.

Visual Types

Types are the primary classification for visuals. Each visual type has specific features and design elements that should be considered during the review process.

The visual types are grouped based on their inherent structural components, rather than their intended purposes.

Cartesian Charts

Utilize X and Y axes to plot data points. Components often include axes, gridlines, data points, lines, or bars.

  • 3D Bar Chart
  • 3D Bubble/Scatter Chart
  • Area Chart
  • Bar Chart
  • Beeswarm Chart
  • Box & Whisker Plot
  • Bubble/Scatter Chart
  • Bullet Chart
  • Bump Chart
  • Candlestick Chart
  • Combo Chart
  • Density Plot
  • Dot Plot
  • Dumbbell Chart
  • Fan Chart
  • Histogram
  • Likert Scale Chart
  • Line Chart
  • Lollipop Chart
  • Marimekko Chart
  • Pareto Chart
  • Pictogram Chart
  • Point & Figure Chart
  • Population Pyramid
  • Ribbon Chart
  • Stream Chart
  • Tornado Diagram
  • Violin Plot
  • Voronoi Diagram
  • Waterfall Chart

Cartesian Charts (Axis-Free)

Plot data points without traditional X and Y axes.

  • Joy Plot
  • Sparklines

Polar Charts

Display data in a circular format, using radial and angular axes.

  • 3D Pie/Donut Chart
  • Pie/Donut Chart
  • Polar Area Chart
  • Radar Chart
  • Radial Bar Chart
  • Spiral Plot

Network Charts

Consist of nodes (data points) connected by links (relationships). Components include nodes, edges, and labels.

  • Arc Diagram
  • Chord Diagram
  • Network Diagram
  • Parallel Coordinates Plot
  • Sankey Diagram

Process and Flow Charts

Illustrate steps or stages in a process. Components include flow lines, stages, and decision points.

  • Bowtie Chart
  • Flow Chart
  • Funnel Chart

Hierarchical Charts

Represent data with parent-child relationships. Components include nodes, branches, and hierarchical levels.

  • Dendrogram
  • Mind Map
  • Org Chart
  • Sunburst Chart
  • Tree Diagram

Geospatial Charts

Plot data on geographic maps. Components include map projections, markers, and geographic boundaries.

  • Bubble Map
  • Cartogram
  • Chart on Map
  • Choropleth Map
  • Flow Map
  • Hexbin Map
  • Isopleth Map

Tables and Matrices

Display data in a grid format. Components include rows, columns, and cells.

  • Matrix
  • Table
  • Heatmap

Temporal Charts

Emphasize temporal data with a focus on time axes, events, and durations.

  • Calendar
  • Gantt Chart
  • Timeline
  • Timetable

3D Charts

Incorporate three-dimensional visuals. Components include depth (Z-axis) and 3D rendering.

  • 3D Bar Chart (also in Cartesian Charts)
  • 3D Pie/Donut Chart (also in Polar Charts)
  • 3D Bubble/Scatter Chart (also in Cartesian Charts)
  • 3D Surface Plot

Single-Value Charts and Indicators

Display single data values or key performance indicators. Components focus on numeric displays without axes.

  • Card
  • Gauge
  • KPI

Proportional Areas Charts

Use the area of shapes to represent data values. Components include proportionally sized shapes like circles or squares.

  • Bubble/Scatter Chart (also in Cartesian Charts)
  • Circle Packing
  • Dot Matrix Chart
  • Pictogram Chart
  • Proportional Area Chart
  • Pyramid Chart
  • Treemap
  • Waffle Chart

Decorative and Infographic Elements

Enhance visual storytelling and presentation. May not follow standard chart components.

  • Decorative Element
  • Infographic
  • Illustration Diagram
  • Narrative
  • Venn Diagram
  • Word Cloud

Filters

Provide interactive filtering capabilities for other visuals. Components include slicers, dropdowns, and buttons.

  • Control Filter
  • Date Filter
  • List Filter
  • Text Filter

Other

  • Risk Matrix
  • Visual Builder
  • Other

Categories

Categories are secondary classifications that provide additional context for the visual and should help understand the intended use case and target audience.

  • Change over Time
  • Comparison
  • Concepts
  • Correlation
  • Distribution
  • Filters
  • Flow
  • Hierarchy
  • Infographics
  • KPI
  • Maps
  • Narratives
  • Part-to-Whole
  • Proportion
  • Range
  • Ranking
  • Other
Last update: Oct 22, 2024