Visual data typically refers to information that is represented in a visual format—such as images, charts, graphs, maps, or diagrams. This type of data is used to make information easier to digest and understand by visually articulating numerical values and making trends easy to see. Product analytics tools (like Pendo Analytics) typically include features and widgets that produce visual representations of product data. But in product research and design, there’s also another form of visual data that is extremely valuable: session replays.
In the world of product management and design, visual data can also refer to session replays. Session replay refers to the process of capturing a user’s interactions with a product or application—including mouse movements, clicks, scrolls, and keyboard inputs. These recordings give product, user experience (UX), customer success and support, sales, marketing, quality assurance (QA), and development teams visibility into the complete user experience by allowing them to see exactly how users are navigating and engaging with their products or apps. Session replays are an irrefutable form of visual evidence, providing the behavioral context teams across the business need to influence decisions.
As part of a holistic product experience tech stack, visual data—in the form of session replays—helps teams:
Understand the user journey
Identify usability issues
Validate design and UX decisions
Optimize conversion paths
Accelerate product discovery and development
Improve the customer experience