Written by: Anthony McDonald, Associate Professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Machine learning algorithms are increasingly being trained with data from cutting edge sensors part of the Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded in the software and hardware that runs modern work. Yet over 80% of these implementations fail.* Why? One key reason is a lack of attention to data visualization throughout the model development and evaluation process.
Data visualization is an essential tool for highlighting anomalies in data that can be masked in the model development process. Visualization is also key for identifying model performance limitations across market segments or the need for more personalized approaches. The team at the University of Wisconsin – Madison Online Graduate Programs Engineering Data Analytics program views visualization as a gate between each step of the model building process, an opportunity to catch issues early on before an entire project fails.
But visualization, like all data analytics skills, takes practice and refinement to get right. The human cognitive and visual systems are pre-wired to see specific patterns and to differentiate and evaluate based on certain features of a visualization. For example, one might think that a multicolored, 3-D pie chart looks good on a presentation slide, but are not aware that the design overall undermines individuals’ ability to take away important information.
Recognizing this, we ensured that our Engineering Data Analytics MEng program includes coursework that emphasizes the importance of visualization across all stages of model development. Our instructors approach visualization as a design process, informing students about the benefits and costs of various design choices and providing a framework that integrates the audience, purpose, and data to produce broadly interpretable visualizations for any context.
In a world increasingly shaped by data-driven decisions, the ability to design effective visualizations is not just a technical skill—it’s a strategic advantage. By embedding visualization into our analytics course, we’re preparing students to communicate insights clearly and drive meaningful outcomes across industries.
Learn more about our Master of Engineering in Data Analytics Program and one of the courses that focuses on data visualization ISyE 649.
*https://www.bmc.com/blogs/cio-ai-artificial-intelligence/