10 Websites That Use Data Visualization To Improve The User Experience (UX)
Data visualization has become a potent UX tool in an age that thrives on clear information and speed. It distills dense information into dynamic visual graphics, making it familiar and interactive. (Data visualization, done correctly, isn’t just informative – it’s an immersive experience.)
Using data visualization to shape UI and UX is a practice many websites are focusing on, so here are 10 that stand out, from dashboards to interactive storytelling:
1) Spotify Wrapped Link
Why it’s great: Each year, Spotify Wrapped gives users a recap of their musical activity, top artists, genres, and when they listened using individual data visualizations.
UX impact: It’s shareable, personal, and evokes emotion – sparking strong brand loyalty.
2) Google Trends Link
Why it’s cool: Live and historical data are displayed in dynamic graphs.
UX impact: Capitalizes on real-time interactions, prompting exploration and comparisons.
3) Airbnb’s Annual Report Link
Why it’s excellent: Airbnb tells a story with interactive maps, data-driven infographics, and animated stats.
UX impact: Turns a dry business metric into a fun brand-building narrative.
4) Our World in Data Link
Why it’s great: Huge datasets converted into highly detailed, customizable charts and maps.
UX impact: It democratizes access to global data by turning it into digestible information for the masses.
5) Bloomberg Graphics Link
Why it’s great: Data storytelling is done richly with elegant visuals, animations, and transitions.
UX impact: Gamifies complex economic-financial topics, making them comprehensible and fun.
6) Information Is Beautiful Link
Why it’s excellent: Dedicated to gorgeous, whimsical, inventive data visualizations.
UX impact: Transforms complex data into compelling visual narratives that users can’t get enough of.
7) Strava Heatmaps Link
Why it’s excellent: Plots billions of activities as heatmaps that chart global fitness trends.
UX impact: Provides a practical, fun, data-driven way of offering users actionable insights (like helping plan a route).
8) The Pudding Link
What it’s best for: Visual essays — interactive storytelling empowered by rich visual data.
UX impact: Reader engagement skyrockets through touchpoints and narrative flow.
9) Spotify Charts Link
Why it’s excellent: Top tracks for each city, region, or global are tracked using fancy visual filters.
UX impact: Promotes discovery and comparison in an engaging, graphic-friendly way.
10) Windy.com Link
Why it’s great: A beautiful animated map used to visualize global weather in real-time.
UX effect: People receive rich weather information (wind, rain, air pressure) in an easy-to-see, heads-up display.
What These Sites Get Right
- Keep It Simple: Information is explained easily.
- Interactivity: Users can manipulate and explore data.
- Excitement Hook: Some visualizations tell a story and boost engagement.
- Instant Feedback: Users come back for real-time updates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re creating a dashboard, a landing page, or a content hub, data visualization can be a UX superpower. These websites demonstrate that they engage, educate, and convert when visuals are powered by data and tailored for design.
Interested in adding data visualizations to your site or app? To do it right, I can help you find the perfect libraries like D3.js, Chart.js, Recharts, or even Power BI integrations.
