1295  Data Visualization and Dashboards for IoT

1295.1 Overview

Data visualization transforms IoTโ€™s continuous data streams into actionable intelligence. This chapter series covers the complete visualization journey: from selecting the right chart types to building production dashboards with real-time updates.

TipKey Principle: The 5-Second Rule

A well-designed dashboard answers โ€œIs everything OK?โ€ within 5 seconds. If users need to think before understanding system status, the design has failed. This principle guides all visualization decisions.

1295.2 Chapter Guide

This topic is organized into six focused chapters:

1295.2.1 Visualization Types for IoT Data

Learn to select appropriate chart types for different IoT data patterns:

  • Time-series charts (line, area, candlestick) for trends over time
  • Gauges and meters for current status monitoring
  • Heatmaps for pattern discovery across dimensions
  • Geographic maps for location-based device data
  • Status indicators for binary and categorical states

1295.2.2 Dashboard Design Principles

Master the principles that separate effective dashboards from visual clutter:

  • Information hierarchy and F-pattern layout
  • The 5-second rule for critical communication
  • Audience-specific design (operators vs. engineers vs. executives)
  • Avoiding common pitfalls: overload, color blindness, chart junk
  • Accessibility and WCAG compliance

1295.2.3 Real-Time Visualization

Implement high-performance real-time dashboards:

  • Push (WebSocket) vs. pull (polling) update strategies
  • Data decimation algorithms (LTTB, min-max, averaging)
  • Refresh rate optimization for different data types
  • Query optimization and caching
  • Performance tuning for 60fps rendering

1295.2.4 Data Encoding for IoT Media

Understand codecs for IoT video and audio streams:

  • Containers vs. codecs distinction
  • Waveform vs. parametric encoding approaches
  • Video codecs (MJPEG, H.264, H.265, VP9) for surveillance
  • Audio codecs (Opus, AAC, G.711) for voice and monitoring
  • Bandwidth and storage calculations

1295.2.5 Visualization Tools

Choose and configure the right tools for your needs:

  • Grafana for time-series monitoring
  • ThingsBoard for complete IoT platforms
  • Node-RED for rapid prototyping
  • Custom development with D3.js, Chart.js, Plotly
  • Building Grafana dashboards: data sources, panels, variables, alerting

1295.2.6 Hands-On Labs

Build real IoT dashboards with step-by-step labs:

  • Lab 1: Web dashboard with ESP32 and Chart.js
  • Lab 2: Serial visualization with ASCII bar charts and sparklines
  • Lab 3: Multi-sensor monitoring with threshold alerts

All labs use the Wokwi simulator - no physical hardware required.

1295.3 Learning Path

Beginners: Start with Visualization Types to understand chart selection, then try Lab 2: Serial Visualization for hands-on practice.

Intermediate: Read Dashboard Design Principles, then complete Lab 1: Web Dashboard.

Advanced: Focus on Real-Time Visualization and Visualization Tools for production deployment.

1295.4 Quick Reference

1295.4.1 Chart Type Selection

Question to Answer Chart Type
How does this value change over time? Line chart
Whatโ€™s the current value vs. thresholds? Gauge
When are values highest/lowest? Heatmap
Where are my devices located? Point map
Whatโ€™s the status of my fleet? Status table

1295.4.2 Refresh Rate Guidelines

Data Type Recommended Refresh
Safety-critical alerts 1 second (push)
Operational metrics 5-30 seconds
Environmental sensors 30-60 seconds
Trend analysis 5-15 minutes
Historical reports On-demand

1295.4.3 Tool Selection

Need Recommended Tool
Quick prototype Node-RED
Time-series monitoring Grafana
Full IoT platform ThingsBoard
Unique requirements Custom development