Data Visualization Best Practices: Enhancing Comprehension and Decision Making with Effective Visual Analytics

Rashi Nimesh Kumar Dhenia, Ishva Jitendrakumar Kanani

Abstract: As organizations increasingly rely on data driven insights to inform strategic decisions, the role of effective data visualization has become essential. In an environment characterized by complex and high volume datasets, visual analytics serve as a critical interface between raw information and human cognition. This paper examines best practices in data visualization that enhance both comprehension and decision making across a range of domains. Drawing from cognitive science, human computer interaction, and real world case studies, it explores how design choices such as chart selection, use of color, interactivity, and audience alignment influence a user's ability to interpret and act on data. The discussion emphasizes the importance of avoiding common design pitfalls, promoting accessibility, and tailoring visualizations to user intent and the decision context. Emerging trends such as interactive dashboards, mobile first design, and artificial intelligence augmented analytics are also examined. The findings demonstrate that well designed data visualizations not only improve interpretability and engagement but also support faster, more accurate, and more confident decisions in areas such as healthcare, business, and public policy. Ultimately, this paper advocates for a thoughtful and user centered approach to visual analytics design as a core competency in the modern data driven era.

Keywords: Data Visualization, Visual Analytics, Storytelling with Data, Interactive Visualization, Graphical Perception, Design Principles, Visualization Best Practices