What is the best chart to visualize this data (number of users, number of users gained, number of users lost)

views:

279

answers:

+3 Q:

What is the best chart to visualize this data (number of users, number of users gained, number of users lost)

I want to represent some data visually, using a visualization component. Now I want to represent this situation in a visual way: Suppose I have an web application. I want to get an overview in a visual way about how users are reacting to it.

Say:

in Day1 I have 2 users: u1, u2
in Day2 I have 2 users: u1, u2
In Day3 I have 3 users: u3, u4

It is useless to draw a line chart here. Because I'll be seeing a constant line. Although I have lost 2 users and gained 2 users in Day3.

How to represent this data in a chart? The chart should give me an idea about: -

total number of users
number of users lost
number of users gained.

Personally I would use a line for the users in a day and a bar for the number of new users/total users.

savageguy 2009-08-19 17:57:56

+3 A:

Stacked bar. Top of the stack is new users in a day. It sits on top of (total users at day start - new users), which sits on the x-axis. Dipping below the x-axis is users lost. Thus the height above the x-axis is the actual number of users that day, and the total height of the bar (above and below the x-axis) is the total number of users before your users were lost.

Adam Bellaire 2009-08-19 18:01:56

Adam W 2009-08-19 18:15:14

I liked Greg's solution also. Accepting this as the answer because, it is easier to compare the values visually in grouped chart.

Sabya 2009-08-26 09:18:58

+1 A:

Greg 2009-08-19 19:50:53

This makes me wonder if a stacked area version of your chart would be more effective.

Selene 2009-08-19 23:46:28

@Selene -- Yeah, I agree with you. Maybe something like this chart, which was recently in the New York Times? http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/07/31/business/20080801-metrics-graphic.html

Greg 2009-08-20 11:48:40

The problem with the stacked charts is that you do not instantly see one of the values. I still think a grouped bar approach is best for this.

Adam W 2009-08-20 12:36:54

@Adam -- the only value that you don't see is the number of new users, in the case that there are no new users. So I don't see the problem.

Greg 2009-08-20 17:27:05

@Greg, no I mean the stacked bar as described simply places one set of values on top of the other. So to actually count new users, you need to take the total height and subtract the value of users at the start. To get total number of users at the end of a day, take the value above the axis and subtract the value below the axis.It is helpful for looking at relative values not actual numbers.

Adam W 2009-08-21 15:51:09

ansaurus

tags:

views:

answers:

What is the best chart to visualize this data (number of users, number of users gained, number of users lost)

related questions