> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://vikram-bajaj.gitbook.io/cs-gy-6313-information-visualization/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://vikram-bajaj.gitbook.io/cs-gy-6313-information-visualization/assessing-the-quality-of-a-visualization.md).

# Assessing the Quality of a Visualization

It is important to know how to assess the quality of a visualization. Knowing how to do so will allow us to choose one visualization over another.

A lot, however, depends on the goal of the visualization.

For example, if the aim is to convey certain information effectively, a visualization that is easier/faster to read and interpret would definitely be preferred to a visualization that isn't.

Generally speaking, designing an effective visualization warrants the need for:

* **Knowing the Design Space**: It is important to be able to create multiple alternative designs
* **Being Able to Compare the Alternatives**: To do so, it is important to have an understanding of how the human perception of graphical representations works

Evaluation of the quality of a visualization is covered in a later section.