This issue delivers concrete suggestions for optimally using data visualization in evaluation, as well as suggestions for best practices in data visualization design. It focuses on specific quantitative and qualitative data visualization approaches that include data dashboards, graphic recording, and geographic information systems (GIS).

Readers will get a step-by-step process for designing an effective data dashboard system for programs and organizations, and various suggestions to improve their utility. The next section illustrates the role that graphic recording can play in helping programs and evaluators understand and communicate the mission and impact that an intervention is having in a democratic and culturally competent way. The GIS section provides specific examples of how mapped data can be used to understand program implementation and effectiveness, and the influence that the environment has on these outcomes.

• Discusses best practices that inform and shape our data visualization design choices
• Highlights the best use of each tool/approach
• Provides suggestions for effective practice
• Discuss the strengths and limitations of each approach in evaluation practice

This is the 140^th volume of the Jossey-Bass quarterly report series New Directions for Evaluation, an official publication of the American Evaluation Association.

This issue is Part 2 of a two-part series on data visualization in evaluation.
This part offers readers concrete suggestions for optimally using
data visualization in evaluation, as well as suggestions for best practices
in data visualization design. This part will also focus on specific
quantitative and qualitative data visualization approaches that include
data dashboards, graphic recording, and geographic information systems
(GIS). The data dashboard chapter will introduce readers to a
step-by-step process for designing an effective data dashboard system
for programs and organizations, and provide various suggestions to
improve their utility. The graphic recording chapter illustrates the role
that graphic recording can play in helping programs and evaluators
understand and communicate the mission and impact that an intervention
is having in a democratic and culturally competent way. The
GIS chapter provides specific examples of how mapped data can be
used to understand program implementation and effectiveness, and
the influence that the environment has on these outcomes. Each of
these chapters will highlight the best use of each tool/approach, provide
suggestions for effective practice, and discuss the strengths and
limitations of each approach in evaluation practice. This issue begins
with an overview of the best practices from fields like graphic design
that inform and shape our data visualization design choices. Color versions
of the figures in this issue can be found at www.ndedataviz.com