Extract from Tal Davidson’s article “Data Visualization Accelerates eDiscovery: Picture This”
Electronically stored information (ESI) volumes are expanding at an unprecedented rate, presenting intricate challenges for legal teams during litigation, investigations and other legal processes. In this era, the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” gains significant traction as legal professionals grapple with terabytes of ESI. Data visualization emerges as a pivotal tool in this scenario, transforming complex datasets into understandable and actionable information.
Visualization works from a human perspective because we respond to and process visual data better than any other type of data. In fact, the human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text, and 90% of the information transmitted to the brain is visual. That fact suggests that data visualization is an effective way to enhance attorney insights and decision-making in eDiscovery.
What Is Data Visualization?
Data visualization is the practice of creating visual representations of complex data and information. These representations can be static, dynamic, or interactive and are intended to help people understand, interpret, and discover patterns, trends, and relationships in the data. Data visualization tools offer an intuitive method for observing and comprehending trends, outliers and patterns within data by utilizing visual elements such as charts, graphs, and maps. In the context of eDiscovery, these tools are invaluable. The legal team identifies the necessity for data visualization to dissect complex data facets, while data analysts or visualization experts use platforms like Power BI, Tableau, and advanced Excel to craft these visual representations.
