The most common types of data found in interfaces are:
- Number. The simplest data type, it gives an unambiguous answer to the question “How much?”. When the user cares about a specific amount or number (e.g., calories per day, number of steps, or monthly income), show that value in the design as the “protagonist.”
- Array of numbers. Multiple numbers can be called an array of numbers. For example, a user knows how many steps per day he walks and wants to track how that figure changes over the course of a month: that is, he has an array of 31 numbers. The most common type of graph for this task is a time series, which shows the change in a variable over time.
- Data categories are logical groups that help you “read” them and perceive information faster. Dry numbers are hard to analyze, and categorizing them helps reduce the cognitive load. Even if the customer gives you single numbers to visualize, try to group them and show them in parts.
- Discrete and continuous data. Discrete data are those that can be counted, such as steps. But data about atmospheric pressure or temperature that changes all the time is called continuous data. Sliders illustrate this difference perfectly.
- Specific numbers or trend. If the main thing for the user is the change in data as a whole, then we show the trend on the graph, and if you need specific numbers, then display and hightail the numeric values.