Lollipop Chart
A lollipop chart is a type of data visualization, similar to a bar graph or dot plot. Lollipop charts compares values ranking from greatest to least. Its purpose is to present and compare values in a visually appealing way. Lollipop charts demonstrates multiple lines indicating or mimicking the shape or form of a lollipop. The base begins with the "stick" of a lollipop and it extends into a dot. The dot represents the "candy" and in the chart it marks the value that is being presented. Lollipop charts are simply a bar chart, but instead of using a bar filling up the majority of the space, you are simplifying it into a lollipop shape.
Above is a screenshot of a Lollipop Chart representing Top Movies and their IMBd Ratings. As you can see you can see the base of the lollipops is represented by sticks but their values are represented at the top as the dot or "candy" of the stick. Reading each Lollipop, you can indicate that the movie, "The Godfather" has the highest rating of 9.2 and between movies, "Forrest Gump" and "Fight Club," they share the least amount of ratings of 8.8%.
Lollipop charts can be used vertically or horizontally as well. Image A (On the left) demonstrates a vertical lollipop chart, these are most commonly used when trying to present "Lollipop Charts" because its shape and form represent the "Lollipop" figure more accurately. However, horizontal Lollipop Charts are used as well. Image B (On the right) is an example of how a horizontal Lollipop Chart would look. The base or sticks of the lollipops would be starting or coming from the y axis, rather than the x axis. Lollipop charts are important and possibly one of my favorite data visualizations because they make a clear comparison, reduce chart ink and they're great for ranking or using ordered data. Although bar graphs are similar, Lollipop charts use less color and space and still look visually appealing to compare data.
I really like how clean your final chart is! It's living up to its name as a lollipop chart. The kind of data you chose, IMDb ratings, was a good choice for this type of visual, showing how you understand it and used the chart to its full potential. The formatting might need a little bit of work, making it a bit tidier, but other than that, you did well!
ReplyDeleteGreat Points Davinia!
ReplyDeleteLollipop charts are useful with vertical and horizontal. They are appealing for all types of data sets.
I really like how you described the lollipop chart as a “simplified bar chart.” That phrase makes it easy to understand for readers new to data visualization. When you made your chart of top movies, did you consider ordering them by release date instead of IMDb score? It could be interesting to see if there’s a trend in how movie ratings have changed over time.
ReplyDeleteSuggestion-
You could add color coding for genres (like drama, action, comedy).