There are several different graphs and charts that you are likely to encounter that represent statistical information. There are bar charts, pie charts, pictograms, and more. These all represent two variables and discrete ranges. For more flexibility than these options, we look to web charts.
Overview: What is a web chart(tm)?
It is a graphical representation of multivariate data. With this sort of chart, various groups of values with multiple common variables on a single chart that is shaped like a web. It is two-dimensional with three or more variables that are represented on axes that all begin at the same point.
Web charts are ideal for when comparisons need to be made. Some examples would be products or employees in a department. In these situations, it is feasible to use a column chart except a web chart will look much less cluttered and is therefore preferable.
5 benefits of web charts ™
A web chart has several benefits over other comparable charts:
1. Strong visually
With web charts, you get a strong visual representation of the data. They are also aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
2. Easy comparison
With web charts, you are able to easily make comparisons between data sets. These charts are very good at showing variation as well as common characteristics.
3. Presentation
Web charts can present multiple variables next to one another.
4. Measurement
If measurements need to be taken, the concentric circles inside of the chart may be used as grid lines.
5. A greater number of variables can be assessed
With web charts, you can compare much more than just one feature or variable of a sample. Typically, you will find up to eight variables in this type of chart.
Why are web charts important to understand?
In your business practices, you can get a lot out of understanding how to work with web charts:
Performance analysis
With this kind of chart, you can easily determine the variables in a data set that are doing better than the others.
They can help in quick decision-making
If you need to have an answer to a decision soon, web charts are a great tool with their ability to compare different features of a data set.
They are space-efficient
Web charts take up less space than most other charts, so you won’t be overwhelmed by data clutter.
An industry example of a web chart
A manufacturing company is facing the unfortunate situation of needing to lay off a few employees from its assembly staff. It is an incredibly difficult decision to make as the employees all work hard and are well-valued by the company. It is decided that a spider chart will be created to compare the employees in order to decide who to keep and who to let go. Several variables are used, including output, punctuality, technical knowledge, being a team player, communication, and problem-solving ability. While the decision is incredibly hard to make, the insight gained from the web chart aids in the decision of what employees to keep.
3 best practices when thinking about web charts
When plotting web charts, here are a few practices to keep in mind:
1. Avoid too many variables
If you crowd up a web chart too much, it can become difficult to read. Also, you may end up with a polygon that covers up data.
2. Use different colors or patterns
Having a different color or pattern for each polygon will make it easier to distinguish between them.
3. Different measuring scales
When variables have different measurement scales, web charts are likely best avoided as misleading comparisons can be made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about web charts
How many data variables should I use in web charts?
It is generally advisable to not go beyond eight data variables to keep it easy to read.
Are web charts known by any other name?
They are also known as radar charts, spider charts, and radial charts.
What programs are good for creating web charts?
They are most commonly created using Excel.
Web charts are useful
Bar graphs, pictograms, and other graphical representations are all helpful and have their place. Sometimes, though, you may have multiple data sets and several variables to compare. Knowing how to work with web charts can help you make sense of all this data.
