21 Must-Read Data Visualization Books, According to Experts | Built In

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The best data visualization books have (pardon the pun) a long shelf life.

As new tools emerge and old ones evolve, many of the top best practices in data visualization remain in place, whether it’s color selection, axis orientation, whether animation is appropriate (or free), or interactivity in a certain context, and much more.

You are reading: Best books on data visualization

“A lot of what changes is just software, [but] a lot of the concepts remain very constant,” said alli torban, a data visualization consultant based in washington, dc. “even a 10 year old book still has a lot to teach you.”

We asked four data visualization experts to select and review some of their favorite data visualization books. Our experts include:

• cole nussbaumer knaflic, CEO of storytelling with data, author of storytelling with data: a guide to data visualization for business professionals and storytelling with data: let’s practice!, and host of the swd podcast.
• alli torban, information design consultant and host of the podcast data viz today.
• randy krum, founder of data visualization and infographic design firm infonewt, and author of Brilliant Infographics: Effective Communication with Data Visualization and Design.
• tamara munzner, professor of computer science at the university of british columbia and author of visualization analysis and design.

many of the selections are written specifically for business contexts, but you’ll also find many widely relevant practical application entries and, for those who wish to dig deeper, a variety of advanced theory textbooks.

practical application

Better Data Visualizations: A Guide for Scholars, Researchers, and Wonks by Jonathan Schwabish

cole nussbaumer knaflic: Released in early 2021 and includes a stellar array of visualizations (500+ examples), Better Data Visualizations reads like a fun and educational encyclopedia of graphics.

The book is organized into three sections. It begins with a brief introduction to data visualization best practices. the second part is the bulk of the book: chart types. schwabish delves into different types of charts that go far beyond the standard lines and bars. includes an insightful discussion of why and when each works, and when it doesn’t, with plenty of examples. the final section explores the design and provides instructions for developing and using a data visualization style guide.

While the subtitle suggests a more limited audience, this is a great resource for anyone who analyzes and communicates with data. I’m also a big fan of schwabish’s one graph at a time related video series.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

Good Charts Workbook: Tips, Tools, and Exercises for Making Better Data Visualizations by Scott Berinato

alli torban: a great book for a new practitioner as it offers practical practice. It’s written in a style that almost makes it seem like Berinato is a good mentor or co-worker, and he’s just guiding you. has quiz-like prompts, asking, for example, why a specific pie chart is difficult to read and what could be improved. then there is sketch space to draw what you would do instead. the data sets it provides are not complex, so you can easily sketch them.

and there is a discussion section where he doesn’t necessarily give answers, but explains how he would think about it. on data, namely designers can sometimes think that the way they do it is the [only] way, so I appreciate their measured approach – that’s probably how I would do it, and these are my considerations.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics: The Dos and Don’ts of Presenting Data, Facts, and Figures by Dona M. Wong

alli torban: is written from the perspective of a journalist, with principles for making good graphics for the media. but it’s also very useful for those who don’t necessarily have a background in data. wong’s clear examples address common and specific problems. for example, there’s a section on good y-axis increments: what an awkward increment looks like and what to do instead. there is also a very useful section on logarithmic scales. the book is quite prescriptive; it’s in the subtitle: dos and don’ts. so if you’re looking for a foothold, this is a great starting point rich in examples.

also, it explains very clearly the mathematical concepts, for example, how to calculate a percentage change, which, if you are creating a graph, those types of calculations are things that you have to do. but if you don’t necessarily have a math background, it can be confusing and hard to find by googling.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

How Charts Lie: Getting Smarter about Visual Information by Alberto Cairo

randy krum: a must read guide if you are designing graphics that will be published. cairo is dedicated to data journalism and is dedicated to ensuring that data visualizations are done objectively and do not distort or misrepresent the data.

has talked for years about how some poor display options in the media have led to misinterpretation of data, be it weather data (hurricane maps) and also election data. is a great treatise on how data can be displayed in misleading ways and, for professionals, what to avoid so you don’t get heavily criticized for displaying something in a way you didn’t mean to.

tamara munzner: cairo’s books are super accessible, very clearly written. his experience as a journalist is obvious. works very hard to get people to think about the use of images. for anyone who wants data literacy, in making graphs that do not lead to error, he is your choice.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

Visualizations of human-related data don’t increase empathy, yet

Avoiding Data Pitfalls: How to Steer Clear of Common Blunders When Working with Data and Presenting Analysis and Visualizations by Ben Jones

cole nussbaumer knaflic: I recommend avoiding frequent data errors. Conversational in tone and packed with relatable examples, this book details seven traps Jones has fallen into or seen others stumble into, in an effort to prevent readers from making the same mistakes.

Each chapter focuses on a single hazard, explaining the specific relevant hazards and illustrating them through examples, helping you learn to recognize and avoid them. Although there is only one chapter that focuses specifically on data visualization (Obstacle #6: Graphical Errors), the book demonstrates the kinds of questions and thought processes that anyone who visualizes data should consider when analyzing their data. The lessons outlined are great for those in the early stages of their data analysis and visualization journey, as they serve as an important reminder of issues that can be easily missed by more experienced analysts as well.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

Info We Trust: How to Inspire the World with Data by RJ Andrews

cole nussbaumer knaflic: info we trust is a beautiful book. it feels substantial. the colors are vibrant. the language is poetic. the content is inspiring.

Nearly every inch is packed with information: the margins are packed with quotes from a wide variety of sources and other relevant data. Although I’ve talked to other people who have found this distracting, I thought it gave an insight into the extensive research that went into the book and a look at the side roads not taken. text and margins are interspersed with hand-drawn images and graphics that help reinforce concepts. chapters are relatively short but dense with ideas and summaries, providing a good balance.

Information We Trust is definitely not a how-to book, but it is laced with practical advice. at one point, andrews talks about arousing curiosity in his audience. he says, and I’m paraphrasing, that good stories leave room for the audience to make connections. the book itself does this beautifully, making astute observations but allowing the reader room to connect and extrapolate to his own work.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

books focused on business

Storytelling With Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals and Storytelling With Data: Let’s Practice! by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic

cole nussbaumer knaflic: my books, storytelling with data and the let’s practice! follow-up, focus on making graphs that make sense in the business world and weaving them into compelling and inspiring stories for action. . they codify and extend the lessons we teach in our workshops, sharing practical tips and strategies you can use in your next report or presentation.

The first book, Data Narrative, is meant to be read. the popularity it has maintained since its publication is probably due in large part to its simplicity. It’s a relatively quick read that allows you to immediately appreciate the power of the lessons, demonstrated through real-world examples. once you’ve read it cover to cover, it can serve as a great desktop resource for those making graphics and presentations.

let’s practice! invites you to do exactly that: practice. the same lessons that structure the first book guide this exercise-based book. three sections of exercises comprise each chapter. In the first section, I lay out a scenario for readers to work through on their own, but I also detail my solution and the thought process that drove my decisions, sharing a wealth of content and many examples. this is followed by a section of unsolved exercises which are great for those wanting additional independent practice or teaching others. In the final exercises section of each chapter, I break down strategies and describe how you can apply them to your next project.

Being good at communicating with data takes practice, and this book will help you thrive. everyone is invited to explore the interactive online companion resource, the swd community as well.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

The Big Book of Dashboards: Visualizing Your Data Using Real-World Business Scenarios by Steve Wexler, Jeffrey Shaffer and Andy Cotgreave

alli torban: [this is] the perfect book for business analysts, with countless examples of real dashboards, organized by different scenarios: a sales dashboard for executives, rankings over time , complaint tracking, churn — things you actually do in business contexts. each chapter includes an example and explains why that dashboard works, and there are thoughtful discussions throughout each section on various practical and design considerations. sometimes within a chapter, co-authors disagree, so it’s really helpful to hear different points of view.

I don’t do dashboards very often, but when I do, it’s nice to be able to search for exactly what I need based on a given use case. there’s been some backlash across the board, and I agree, they’re not the most exciting, but people still need and use them. so you need resources to know how to do it right.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

covid-related panels confuse people: let them read words

Data at Work: Best Practices for Creating Effective Charts and Information Graphics in Microsoft Excel by Jorge Camões

randy krum: an excellent overview of visual perception and information theory, focusing on communication in a business setting. it goes through concepts like preattention attributes, colors, and how to choose the right chart for your data. camões includes links to all of its examples, which were created in excel, the most common tool out there. so you don’t overwhelm people into thinking they need tableau or adobe illustrator to build something beautiful.

You can download and explore his charts through the links, but the book is not an excel manual. it’s about choosing the best design, communicating effectively, and making your visualizations stand out, rather than look like any other excel chart out there. also writes about not simply relying on the default chart gallery.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

The Big Picture: How to Use Data Visualization to Make Better Decisions — Faster by Steve Wexler

randy krum: Wexler here goes into a data visualization theory, but really focuses on how to get organizations to adopt a data visualization mindset, how to communicate data internally in a way that effective and how to get executives to start looking at charts that are not just bar charts.

I call them the big three: bar charts, line charts, and pie charts. there are people who do not like to go beyond those borders. they don’t want to see a sankey plot or a scatter plot. wexler writes about how to bring your organization into those other visual styles that will really help your people understand data better. sometimes that means visualizing the same data in different ways to get a better understanding.

Companies have a lot of data and continue to grow. they feel an imperative to use it to make better business decisions. here wexler connects you directly with visualizations. if you want to make effective decisions with your data, people need to understand it.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

The Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam

randy krum: a classic. here, roam teaches how to communicate visually by focusing on hand drawings. dives into business communication using diagrams, charts, maps, and visual explanations. your visual thinking codex is all about which charts and diagrams go best with what kind of information.

[the point is:] don’t be afraid to visualize. even if you are a bad artist, like me, you can still express your point of view, and it will look better if you visualize it compared to anything else. Regardless of your drawing or design skills, you will benefit from this book.

I do a lot of our work, whether it’s presentation or infographic design, that involves visual metaphors, using icons and illustrations to communicate concepts, rather than visualizing data. he talks about it a lot here too.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

Cool Infographics: Effective Communication with Data Visualization and Design by Randy Krum

randy krum: I wrote this for people who use infographics, whether it’s for internal communication, as an employee education or sales tool, or for external front-end marketing . It teaches you how to publish your designs online along with the necessary SEO skills: how to set up a landing page and optimize for search. Many companies will design an infographic, post it on their company blog or Facebook page, and then do nothing with it. you have to prepare before posting.

plus, an entire chapter is dedicated to infographic resumes, to help you use the power of data visualization to market yourself. All the power of visualizing corporate data, which allows readers to quickly digest and retain information, also applies to your personal information when you apply for jobs. The chapter looks at the types of data people view for resumes, as well as questions like separating or integrating infographics from your text resume, and how to handle automated submission systems if you have an infographic resume.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

data display history

Information Graphics by Sandra Rendgen

there torban: a great desktop book. traces the evolution of visual communication design, with hundreds of graphics. the audience is people interested in information design, but it has a general interest appeal. anyone who picks it up will find something interesting.

See Also: Laurie R. King – Book Series In Order

chapters are divided by location, time, category and hierarchy, then each page has giant examples. I like to browse when I need inspiration, to get a quick idea of ​​how other people have solved similar design problems. so if I’m doing something with, say, time series, I’ll flip through a few dozen pages of various time-based infographics and end up with a ton of ideas. besides, it’s a really beautiful book.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

Semiology of Graphics: Diagrams, Networks, Maps by Jacques Bretin

Tamara Munzner: Semiology was written in the 1960s, and Bretin’s ideas are all the more remarkable given the technological limitations of the time. he pioneered methods for systematic data analysis that are now done with interactive computing, but he had to test them as manual operations with paper and scissors and even built some mechanical devices.

The book contains amazing systematic diagrams. on the other hand, the english translation is terrible, and bertin was certainly idiosyncratic. a modern English speaker would use very different terms than those used in the book. you wouldn’t say “implementation”, you would say design. but if you want to go deeper and are interested in the history of ideas, there is absolutely nothing like it.

in data, namely, there is visual encoding and there is interaction. and we have a much deeper theory about how to encode data visually than how to interact with it. so I think a lot of the ideas here, which are about visual coding, hold up.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

general interest

Cartography: A Compendium of Design Thinking for Mapmakers by Kenneth Field

cole nussbaumer knaflic: This book, written by a professional cartographer, is not just about data visualization. or is that it? after all, you can think of a map as a way to visualize data when place matters. this is one of the most impressive books i have come across. That’s not just because of its sheer weight (there are over 500 pages packed with content), but also because of the careful way the field structures and organizes so much information in a way that doesn’t overwhelm.

Each two-page spread focuses on a single aspect (for example, a type of map or a design principle). the text is formatted for easy scanning and is combined with a variety of beautiful images. Topics are color-coded and arranged alphabetically, so it’s easy to find items of interest or explore a concept that piques your curiosity. It turns out that much of the design logic that goes into making a good map can also drive data visualization efforts graphically.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

Data Sketches: A Journey of Imagination, Exploration, and Beautiful Data Visualizations by Nadieh Bremer and Shirley Wu

tamara munzner: data sketches hold a special place in my heart. it’s a tour de force, kind of like a coffee table book meets technology, a great book if you know something about data and want to take it to the next level. is an amazing resource for people who want to level up.

chronicles the co-author’s long-distance collaboration, 12 visualization projects in total. trace their process, from how to get the data, to ideation, sketch and coding. I know of no other book that takes you all that way.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

told the designers behind the “data sketches” about their eccentric view of data visualization

advanced texts

Visualization Analysis and Design by Tamara Munzner

tamara munzner: I wrote visualization analysis and design to scratch my itch: how do I show people that visualization is a systematic way of thinking, not just a grab bag of this technique and that technique? ? if you’re interested in digging deeper and thinking systematically, it’s a good resource. It’s not just for people with a computer background.

It is true that it has its dense moments, but I avoid math and jargon. I try to build bridges and present the big picture, but in a way that might make sense for a class textbook. but people are definitely reading it outside of classrooms, people in neighboring fields who want to know what this visualization is about.

there torban: one of my favorite chapters is “no unwarranted 3d”. usually you’ll just hear, “well if you do 3d then your marks get distorted and you can’t compare values ​​as well”. but it goes further, explaining a number of different issues. and then talks about cases where 3d really works and provides examples. it is a very reasoned consideration of all the decisions you have to make. the examples are more on the academic and scientific side, but it’s a very measured approach to thinking like a data visualization designer.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

Interactive Visual Data Analysis by Christian Tominski and Heidrun Schumann

tamara munzner: this is a bit academic and technical, focused on visual analysis, which is a particular sub-branch of visualization. it goes back and forth entirely between human in-loop analysis and computational methods. this was the first really good visual analysis textbook out there. for those who want to delve into the interplay between computational and visual concepts, it’s great.

See Also: Some books have been removed from this Texas school district : NPR

buy: bookstore, amazon

Design for Information: An Introduction to the Histories, Theories, and Best Practices Behind Effective Information Visualizations by Isabel Meirelles

randy krum: this book explains how we perceive information visually, as well as the different ways available to visualize data: graphs, but also maps, network diagrams, many flowcharts, trees and others ways to display information that may not be specifically a data table. it’s definitely for [data visualization] professionals, not for, say, a product manager or someone who just deals with excel charts. this is more advanced, as if you were designing timelines of your company’s history.

It is almost 10 years old now, but the concepts about structure (relational, hierarchical, spatial, temporal or textual structures) do not change. Whether you use r or tableau, or draw by hand, the ideas of communicating effectively in a given structure are consistent and tool independent.

tamara munzner: [this book is] a carefully curated walk through the world of visualization, specifically from a design point of view, but going deeper. It’s not just a pretty coffee table book; it really explores the ideas.

buy: indiebound, amazon

The Elements of Graphing Data by William S. Cleveland

Tamara Munzner: For scientists and engineers who want to make scientific graphs or charts for research papers, the elements of data graphing are amazing. cleveland emerges from the statistical tradition. There was a legendary cohort of Bell Labs, with John Tukey, who invented the term “exploratory data analysis”. Cleveland was his partner and very much an intellectual successor. this is where to delve into, for example how exactly to make a stat plot and all the things you need to think about. recommended for people who come from very quantitative backgrounds.

buy: amazon

answers have been edited for length and clarity.

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