Abstract
Data Visualization Managers collect information, analyze it, look for the meaning inherent in the data and try to visualize the result to be understandable to the mass reader. The work of a data analysis specialist combines computer science, statistics, and mathematics. They analyze, process, and model data and then interpret the results to create practical plans for companies and other organizations. The analyst’s task is to conduct statistical analysis to answer questions or solve problems. To do this, specialists collect data, identify patterns, and generate reports that help project or business managers make strategic decisions. Data visualization represents information and analytics: graphs, charts, maps, and dashboards. The figures in tables and documents need to clearly show the relationship between processes, growth or decline periods, and indicators’ dependence.
The visual format presents information and draws a complete picture of what is happening. Visualization helps at many stages in business — from personnel decisions to providing discounts to a specific customer. Analysts use more than 60 ways to visualize data: various types of charts, graphs, dashboards, and maps. Unlike infographics, which are closer to design than to Data Science, data visualization does not contain decorative elements but reflects significant amounts of information, taking into account possible relationships. However, in Data Science, data visualization is used not only for visually representing results in understandable graphs. It is a rapid prototyping method; when using multiple visual representations of the same data, an analyst or Data Scientist tries to discover hidden relationships and dependencies. Visually presented information is more familiar and understandable to the human eye, with the help of it managers can quickly convey any thoughts and ideas.
Introduction
As the world continues to grow more dependent on technology, information science becomes a critical area of expertise. For individuals interested in information science jobs, it is significant to understand the nature of these careers and their primary duties. Specifically, information science focuses on the collection, storage, and manipulation of data and information. Specialists in information science interact with software, and computers to understand how technology integrates with human life.
Although most information science careers use data-gathering methods and advanced analysis, professionals in this field find jobs in organizations and companies that depend on technology for information security, customer data, and financial transactions. There are several careers in information science, but this paper will focus on a data visualization manager to understand the nature, roles and responsibilities, benefits, and challenges. Thus, this profession has a number of features that need to be studied for a better understanding of it.
Nature of a Data Visualization Manager
Data visualization managers work with external and internal developers to realize and understand global business solutions. Some of the common projects they undertake include data model designs, visualization applications, developing technological systems, and analytics projects. For most careers that need knowledge of job visualization, it is essential to explain reasons for using data sets and providing strategic recommendations. In daily tasks, data visualization managers answer several questions on product quality, codes, tests, and releases. (Ahmad et al., 2022). Additionally, a data visualization manager should be proficient in excel, scripting languages, coordinating several projects, and analyzing complicated data sets. Moreover, they should be experienced enough in sourcing and cleaning data sets.
Other critical competencies required for data visualization managers include visualization platforms like Tableau, and Power Bi, and understanding critical design principles like grid systems, prototyping, typography, and wire framing. Data visualization managers use problem-solving and critical skills when taking raw data and presenting them in various ways. They analyze databases and work with software and computers to complete tasks.
Roles and Responsibilities
A data visualization manager supports the implementation of visual analytics programs in the achievement of organizational goals. The use of innovative data analysis and visualization tools in translating user requirements to attractive and insightful dashboards allow fast informed data decision-making. They partner with different stakeholders within the organization in transforming complicated information into powerful and simple stories to improve the efficacy of business, fundraising operations, and lifesaving. Visualization is necessary not only for visual presentation of the results, but also for the development of preliminary hypotheses, as well as validation of the initial data (Walny et al., 2019). The roles of data visualization manager involve various areas of expertise including leadership, information security, visual analysis, engineering, and communication and implementation.
It is necessary to highlight the aspects in which their leadership qualities are manifested. First, they set organizational goals on performance metrics in accordance with business needs and information technology. Second, they help organizations and companies to define vision and strategy for visual analytics by working closely with business leaders to understand critical areas where the advanced analytics can support cost savings, lifesaving, and revenue growth (Hospitality Online, 2022).
Third, their task is to promote a culture of continuous improvement with a focus on training and staying with the latest visualization techniques and tools. Fourth, they guide employees, analysts, and volunteers in the organization to improve their visualization and data analysis skills. Lastly, they identify opportunities and providing constructive feedback to improve processes, products, and operations.
Data visualization managers engage in information and security roles. For example, they ensure that data security is related to the underlying data in public visualizations and support all solutions related to securing data sources. During the execution of the visual analysis role, experts perform critical roles such as forecasts and ad-hoc analyses to help national and regional teams in goal setting. Data visualization managers implement user feedback while at the same time help organizations adheres to best designs and best practices on visualization (Hospitality Online, 2022). Another role of data visualization managers is to propose creative solutions on design, formats, copying, and other features of visualization to meet the needs and goals of the project and develop digital dashboards which convey data to clients.
Moreover, data visualization managers engage in engineering roles. Thus, they facilitate data warehouse improvements to support data visualization. Besides, they partner with Database Administrator (DBA), particularly on version upgrades, licenses, and site administration. Data visualization managers perform communication and implementation roles. For instance, they improve communication between business persons and senior management which help in decision–making processes. They provide insights to stakeholders and organizational management about data visualization measurement systems that gauge progress and effectiveness (Hospitality Online, 2022).
Additionally, they promote sustainable, automated, and scalable solutions to various departments and engage in meaningful discussions with different stakeholders to make sure data is interpreted, used, and communicated effectively. Work with managers in implementing innovations in business operations and create documents to support analytics and data. Lastly, they act as mentors in visualization and data analysis within the organization and provide communication updates through documentation and meetings
Benefits
Data visualization managers enjoy highly competitive salaries which depend on the level of education, experience, company/organization, and additional skills. Besides their salary, they receive leave allowances, health insurance, and parental leave. They spend less time managing their teams which allows them to concentrate more on improving their decision. They also enjoy their careers, particularly when analyzing databases.
This career provides opportunities for remote work, which opens prospects for cooperation with many international companies (Synergy Codes, 2021). Additional knowledge and skills in data visualization manager career increase chances of being hired by top information technology companies. A career in data visualization is beneficial as these professionals learn how to develop the designs and analysis required to translate complicated datasets into visual representations.
As a data visualization manager, one travels to different parts of the world and enjoys the freedom of flexible working. Notably, depending on current commitments and organizational tasks, one can select less or more work which allows one to fit into the working schedule. A career in data visualization helps one to identify areas of improvement and understand how to distribute products (Synergy Codes, 2021). A career in data visualization provides job security since they are few individuals who enroll in these courses and most organizations prefer employees who are advanced in technology.
Challenges
Compared to other careers, working in data visualization one experiences several problems. Inputs and data algorithms are frequently subject to human error (Walny et al., 2019). For example, professionals in this field can use certain approaches which are likely to result in the misrepresentation of ideas. Additionally, while working for big organizations data is likely to be oversimplified. Data visualization usually compresses a large amount of information to simple scatter plots and graphs. As a result, some specialists usually over simple things and ended up leaving critical information by concentrating on visual appeal.
Another challenge is that a career in data visualization is tiresome and needs someone who takes the time to implement the plan. The majority of consumers depend on visualization when interpreting data. Therefore, specialists use analytical tools to become competitive which leads to problems. However, to reduce human errors related to data visualization, specialists should consider using unique tools to make their systems work toward specific goals. For example, using machine learning and artificial intelligence can help professionals in data visualization minimize the need for human factors.
Specialists in data visualization experience challenge when adapting to data changes (Walny et al., 2019). Data updates cannot be undesirable and thus provide additional data and corrections which is quite challenging for professionals working as data visualization managers.
Conclusion
The paper focuses on data visualization managers to comprehend the nature, roles and responsibilities, advantages, and problems of this field of work. In daily tasks, data visualization specialists are responsible for various operations undertaken in the firm, such as releases, product quality, tests, and codes. As discussed previously, data visualization officials play significant roles in their areas of proficiency, thus, guaranteeing efficient execution of tasks and safeguarding the organization’s interests. Being a manager of data visualization is advantageous because it is one of the highest-paying positions. It is worth noting that the distribution of their goods and services may use some modification. For instance, compressing massive data into straightforward graphs and scatter plots can be challenging while working as a data visualization manager. It takes patience to manage data visualization projects, especially those including visual analysis.
References
Ahmad, A., Leifler, O., & Sandahl, K. (2022). Data visualization in continuous integration and delivery: Information needs, challenges, and recommendations. IET Software, 16(3), 331-349. Web.
Hospitality Online. (2022). Data visualization manager. Web.
Synergy Codes. (2021). Data visualization trends for the upcoming future. Web.
Walny, J., Frisson, C., West, M., Kosminsky, D., Knudsen, S., Carpendale, S., & Willett, W. (2020). Data changes everything: Challenges and opportunities in data visualization design handoff. IEEE transactions on visualization and computer graphics, 26(1), 12–22. Web.