Data That Moves: Heatmaps with Embedded Sparklines

Heatmaps effectively highlight high and low values but do not explain the underlying patterns.

Heatmaps with Sparklines address this by embedding small trendlines within each cell, combining value and variation. This makes it easier to interpret both the magnitude and the direction of change.

When to Use Heatmaps with Sparklines?

• To highlight trends and patterns (e.g. Sales vs time)
  
• Require insights that explain the context behind the values
  

Our Use Case: Monthly Sales Heatmap for different products

In the example below, we compared the monthly sales of the products.

The Heatmaps with Sparklines shows:

• Performance trends in and across different months
  
• Spikes or drops in specific months that signal opportunities or red flags
• Detailed monthly insights that extend beyond high-level summaries
  

Compared to the traditional table which has:

• No visibility into how or when the value changed
  
• Just static values and color blocks
  

Why Heatmaps with Sparklines Wins Here:

• Sparklines reveal underlying patterns hidden in cells of normal heatmaps

Every cell carries trend and magnitude