Encoding data in data tables

There are several ways to encode data in tables to visualize data effectively. 

Let’s use the following example to discuss the techniques of text, color saturation, sparklines, and icons: 

Imagine we have data on the sales of different types of fruits in a supermarket – apples, oranges, and bananas.

Text: The most straightforward way to represent data in a table is by using text. We could list the type of fruit in one column and their sales figures in another.  

For example:

Color Saturation: An effective way to add more insight into your table is by using color saturation. The higher the sales figure, the darker the cell background shade. This method allows for a quick visual comparison of values.  

For instance:

Sparklines: Another way to visually represent data in a table is by using sparklines – tiny lines, bars, or area charts within a cell. This method is particularly useful when you have multiple data points over time.  

For example, let’s consider the weekly sales of fruits in the past month:
Here’s another example of the same data using sparklines:

The Trend column with the sparkline chart that helps you visualize the sales trends quickly.

Icons: Visual elements, such as icons, can be used to enhance data tables.  

For instance, using up and down arrows to depict an increase or decrease in sales. Like:

In this table, the arrow icons communicate the change in sales from the previous day quickly and effectively.