People often ask me for alternatives to bar charts.
Instead of boring bar charts...
...why not try bubbles?
Bars depict data through length, while bubbles depict data through area.
And you can make them in good ol' Excel!
You'll need to set up a Helper Table with x, y, and z values; insert a bubble chart; and do some formatting.
Would you like the Excel file I used to create these exact images? Just reply "BUBBLE" and I'll send it to you.
More Alternatives to Bar Charts
In this blog post, you'll see how a clustered column chart can be turned into small multiples, slopes, or dot plots.
In this YouTube video, you'll see how a clustered bar chart can be turned into a dot plot.
In this recorded conference session, you'll learn about exploratory dataviz (spark lines, data bars, and conditional formatting) and maps.
DataViz News & Upcoming Events
May 3-5: The Eastern Evaluation Research Society's annual conference takes place in Seaview, New Jersey. Years ago, I worked part-time to help organize this conference. It's such a special group of people.
May 5-7: Tableau's annual conference takes place in San Diego, California.
May 19-20: Last chance to put your name in the hat for a free guest pass! As a keynote speaker for the Global Excel Summit in London, I get one free guest pass to the event. What are you doing May 19-20 in London?? Want the guest pass?? Reply and let me know. So far, about a dozen people are interested, so we'll create a raffle or giveaway of some sort.
June 24-25: The Data Visualization Society's Outlier conference takes place online.
A trusted data visualization leader for more than 10 years. On-site workshops for 25,000 researchers, evaluators, and scientists in 31 states and 11 countries. Online courses for 10,000 participants. 200 consulting clients. 5 kids. My first HYROX in Miami is this weekend! Yikes!!
