Interactive Data Visualization Products: Phase 2

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 second phase 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 infostats@statcan.gc.ca.

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

Three interactive data visualization products were used to test various layouts and functionalities. Most participants were able to complete the majority of tasks on all tested interactive data visualizations. Overall, all products were well received by participants.

Participants noted that the following aspects seemed to work:

• The variety of visual components within the dashboard, and the interactivity between the different elements.
• The additional information available in hover-over boxes.
• Where available, participants liked having drop-down menus available for navigation.

Participants noted that the following areas could be improved:

• Participants experienced some difficulty in identifying which features were interactive.
• The labels could be clearer, and should change based on the user’s selections, rather than remaining static.
• Legends could be added to maps to clarify the meanings of the colours.

After our analysis, our recommendations include:

• More information could be immediately available on the dashboard, rather than through hover-over boxes.
• Including additional options to interact with dashboard elements (e.g., drop-down menus or reset buttons) could help dashboards be more intuitive to a broader range of users.
• As interactivity between different elements of the dashboard becomes more complex, more detailed notes could be provided to clarify what features are available.

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.