Pie, Column, Area, or Sunburst Chart – Different View for Different Purposes

Data visualization is a powerful tool for making sense of complex information. Whether managing a project, analyzing business performance, or tracking workflow efficiency, choosing the right chart type can help you uncover patterns, identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions. But with so many options available, how do you pick the best one for your needs?

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Why Data Visualization Matters

Large amounts of data in a tabular view can sometimes be ''unreadable'' for decision-making. They look like the endless credits in Star Wars - everything is exciting, but it is incredibly unclear what we should do with this information. Charts help to structure this and visualize the actual state of affairs. Charts and graphs help by:

Simplifying complex data – Making it easier to interpret trends and patterns.

Enhancing decision-making – Helping stakeholders understand key insights quickly. 

Identifying inefficiencies – Pinpointing problem areas that require attention. 

Improving communication – Presenting data in a clear, visually appealing way.

Today, we want to discuss time in status data and how it can be visualized. This is quite popular data that is used by many people. However, the problem is that not everyone knows how to choose the right chart type. Using the example of the types of charts in the Time in Status app, let's look at how to use them better.

📊 Types of Charts and Their Best Uses

🥧 Pie Chart – Get a Snapshot of Proportions

Best for: Comparing parts of a whole.

  • Quickly visualize the distribution of categories.
  • Great for seeing which segment dominates.
  • Works well when you have a limited number of categories.

🔹 Use case example: Understanding how much time different tasks or statuses take within a project.

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A tip - using legends, you can remove certain statuses from the display that are not currently needed for visualization.

📊 Column (Bar) Chart – Compare & Contrast

Best for: Showing comparisons between different time periods.

  • Easily track and compare values across categories.
  • Helps highlight differences and trends over time.
  • Great for analyzing performance metrics.

🔹 Use case example: Comparison of the average time in statuses in the context of certain periods.

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In this chart, we chose to compare the time in status between weeks. By hovering over each individual column, you can see a decryption of all the data it contains.

📈 Area Chart – Spot Trends Over Time

Best for: Identifying patterns in data over a period.

  • Displays cumulative trends.
  • Helps track growth, declines, or fluctuations.
  • Ideal for long-term performance tracking.

🔹 Use case example: Tracking the number of issues resolved each month to monitor efficiency trends.

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🌞 Sunburst Chart – Explore Hierarchical Data

Best for: Visualizing relationships within nested data structures.

  • Offers a multi-layered view of categories.
  • Ideal for drilling down into subcategories.
  • Makes it easy to compare proportions within groups.

🔹 Use case example: It is ideal for visualizing complex relationships within Status Groups and deeply exploring and comparing proportions within hierarchical data.

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📌 How to Choose the Right Chart

When selecting a chart type, consider:

🔸 What story are you telling? – Do you need to compare values, track changes over time, or show proportions? 

🔸 How many categories do you have? – Pie charts work best with fewer categories, while bar and area charts handle more complex data. 

🔸 Who is your audience? – Stakeholders may prefer high-level overviews, while analysts need more detailed breakdowns. 

🔸 Do you need interactivity? – Some charts, like Sunburst, allow for deeper exploration.

Data visualization isn't just about making information look good—it’s about making it actionable. The right chart can reveal trends, highlight inefficiencies, and drive better decision-making. So, next time you're analyzing data, take a moment to choose the visualization that best fits your goals. The right view can make all the difference!

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