9 Conclusion

To be effective drivers of change within organizations, I-O Practitioners must be able to help leaders quickly comprehend data and persuade them that an action will lead to desirable results. There is no time to explain how to accurately read a complex data visualization nor room for poor practices to eat away at organizational performance because buy-in is not secured. By following the key takeaways from this book, I-O Practitioners can be effective advocates of evidence-based practices.

Key Takeaway #1: Select the visualization type that allows for the best combination of speed and accuracy in interpreting the data.

Key Takeaway #2: Ensure both that your data is displayed accurately, and that the way it is displayed guides the viewer to perceive it accurately.

Key Takeaway #3: Design conservatively, remove all unnecessary elements, and draw attention directly to the relevant data.

Key Takeaway #4: Interactive elements of a visualization should increase the speed and accuracy of data comprehension, not add complexity.

Key Takeaway #5: Use storytelling to support the data visualizations and evidence.