Data Visualization: Make Them See What You’re Saying

Data-driven decision-making improves effectiveness and efficiency, increases transparency, and enables agencies to be more proactive. However, raw data alone rarely inspires action. That’s where data visualization becomes a powerful tool. When used effectively, visualizations can simplify complexity, reveal patterns, and help build trust and transparency around government initiatives.

Data visualization is a graphical representation of information. It can be presented in graphs, charts, maps, and dashboards to show the relationships and correlations between datasets that may not be obvious in raw numbers or text. This turns data into a visual story, making complex information easier to understand and act on.

Visualization allows government agencies to find value in the troves of data they hold, as well as to integrate data from other agencies for a more holistic look at how best to serve citizens. It also helps in communicating decisions and plans to government stakeholders and citizens alike. A well-designed chart or map can distill volumes of information into a message that’s easy to grasp and hard to ignore.

Data visualization can strengthen the impact of agency communication and mission efforts in many areas, including:

• Performance Reporting: Rather than long narrative reports, dashboards and scorecards can quickly illustrate progress on KPIs and agency goals and track them in real time. Developing a dashboard that automatically pulls needed data eliminates administrative time spent on issuing and answering data calls, developing reports, and presenting information. Accessible dashboards allow all stakeholders to have a look at key metrics at any time they need to.
• Policy Briefings: Visualizations in reports or slide decks help executive leaders digest critical insights quickly. Graphs and charts show the impact of programs or planned decisions, providing important context to allow for high-level understanding that can be deepened when reading the more detailed narrative in these reports.
• Public Trust: Interactive maps allow citizens to see how services or policies could affect their community. Allowing them to zoom in and out, or apply different filters, allows for a personalized view of the data, helping them better understand and accept decisions. Even static visualizations, such as infographics, can give citizens the highlights they need to understand how policies or services affect their communities.
• Emergency Management: Real-time visual data improves situational awareness, helping inform responses to crises like natural disasters, public safety issues, or cybersecurity threats. A single visualization provides a central source of truth for the various agencies involved in response.

There are a wide variety of tools available for any type of user — from non-technical business and program managers to data scientists and developers — to build data visualizations. And no matter which tool you choose, here are some tips to ensure your visualizations strengthen people’s understanding of your agency’s data:

• Know Your Audience: Tailor the complexity and format of your visuals to the stakeholders’ needs. A senior leader might want a high-level dashboard, while a data analyst may want access to raw data.
• Focus on the Message: Every visual should answer a question or support a story.
• Make It Accessible: Use colorblind-friendly palettes, label charts clearly, and ensure any visuals shared online are compatible with a variety of displays and screen readers.
• Get Feedback: Share draft versions with colleagues or stakeholders to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

At a time when agencies must be more responsive and accountable than ever, data visualization is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. By turning data into clear, compelling visuals, government professionals can bridge the gap between analysis and action, building trust and driving impact.

As the founder of GovEvents and GovWhitePapers, Kerry is on a mission to help businesses interact with, evolve, and serve the government. With 25+ years of experience in the information technology and government industries, Kerry drives the overall strategy and oversees operations for both companies. She has also served in executive marketing roles at a number of government IT providers.

This article originally appeared on July 31, 2025.

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