The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Data visualisation VISL

Facilitating understanding of data by displaying concepts, ideas, and facts using graphical representations.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

3 4 5

Updates for SFIA 9

  • There is an updated version of this skill for SFIA 9.
  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Continued refinement for data and analytics skills, Making SFIA easier to consume (enhance readability/guidance/descriptions), Making SFIA easier to consume (new levels).
  • New level 2 added to support entry-level roles.
  • Readability improvements have been made to levels 3, 4, and 5.
  • You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

Activities may include — but are not limited to:

  • condensing and encapsulating data characteristics, making it easier to surface opportunities, identify risks, analyse trends, and drive effective decision-making
  • presenting findings and data insights in creative ways to facilitate the understanding of data across a range of technical and non-technical audiences.

The skill is typically put into practice by using specialist analytics tools.  Specialisation in this skill implies a requirement to use more than just standard office software to create graphical representations of simple data.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Data visualisation: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

Uses a visualisation product, as guided, to design and create data visuals.

Selects appropriate visualisation techniques from the options available.

Engages with the target user to prototype and refine specified visualisations.

Data visualisation: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Applies a variety of visualisation techniques and designs the content and appearance of data visuals.

Operationalises and automates activities for efficient and timely production of data visuals.

Selects appropriate visualisation approaches from a range of applicable options.

Contributes to exploration and experimentation in data visualisation.

Data visualisation: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Leads exploration of new approaches for data visualisation.

Establishes the purpose and parameters of the data visualisation. Provides overall control to ensure the appropriate use of data visualisation tools and techniques.

Formats and communicates results using textual, numeric, graphical and other visualisation methods appropriate to the target audience.

Advises on the appropriate use of data visualisation for different purposes and contexts to satisfy requirements. Develops plans showing how the identified user needs will be met.