Approaches to Data Visualization in Technical Communication Research: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This paper is a systematic literature review that examines approaches to data visualization suggested in technical communication research. The review is composed of 23 peer-reviewed research articles published between 2018–2022 in the journals IEEE, JBTC, TC, and TCQ that are used to identify the best practices for designing understandable, effective, and efficient visuals. The research findings suggest that the best approaches to data visualizations in technical communication are clear and ethical data and designs, consideration of graph type and components, a focus on accessibility and interactivity, and the use of aesthetic design, as well as tools like Gantt charts, GIMP, Privacy Rating, and WAVE. The paper concludes with a list of 5 recommendations for technical communicators to create effective and engaging data visualizations.