Interactive Data Visualization Products

Consultation objectives

Every year, Statistics Canada collects data through hundreds of surveys and numerous administrative data sources. To complement the ongoing work of various Agency programs, interactive data visualization products are being created to help users obtain data in an easy, attractive and modern manner. These products include hubs, dashboards and interactive graphics.

As the use of this model increases, it is important to ensure that it provides a positive user experience and allows users to obtain the desired data efficiently.

This consultation ensured that the interactive self-serve products are compliant with a set of usability principles and identified any potential usability problems so that improvements can be made going forward.

This is the first of a series of consultations on Statistics Canada’s interactive data visualization products.

Consultation methodology

Statistics Canada conducted in-person usability consultations in Ottawa, Ontario. Participants were asked to complete a series of tasks and to provide feedback on the products.

How participants got involved

This consultation is now closed.

Individuals who wished to obtain more information or to take part in a consultation were requested to contact Statistics Canada by sending an email to statcan.consultations-consultations.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.

It was noted that Statistics Canada selects participants for each consultation to ensure feedback is sought from a representative sample of the target population for the study. Not all applicants were asked to participate in a given consultation.

Statistics Canada is committed to respecting the privacy of consultation participants. All personal information created, held or collected by the Agency is protected by the Privacy Act. For more information on Statistics Canada's privacy policies, please consult the Privacy notice.

Results

What worked

Three interactive data visualization products were used to test various layouts and functionalities of these types of products. Most participants were able to complete the majority of tasks on all tested interactive data visualization products. Overall, each of the products was well received by participants; they found them to be useful and captivating. Participants also thought that they were fairly easy to use and contained useful features.

Areas of improvement

• Some of the interactive features were challenging to use.
• Participants experienced some difficulty in identifying which information would be found under the different sections of the products.
• Multiple participants found some of the labels and terms to be unclear.

Recommendations

• The functionality of interactive components should be clear and intuitive.
• Labels and section titles should be made clearer and more concise.
• Additional functions should be clearly indicated and instructions should be more visible.
• A section for definitions of the terminology used throughout the products should be added.

Statistics Canada would like to thank participants for their participation in this consultation. Their insights will guide the agency's web development and ensure that the final products meet users' expectations.