What does “Visualization” mean in CRediT?

Visualization is one of the 14 roles in ANSI/NISO Z39.104-2022, the CRediT standard developed by the National Information Standards Organization (NISO). Within the preparation, creation and presentation of the published work, the definition singles out visualization and data presentation. NISO characterises the role as making figures and tables that are clear and explanatory enough to carry a study’s findings. Its two example tasks are turning data into charts, graphs or figures, and producing videos or other interactive material that communicates the findings. Tables therefore count as well as graphics.

The line with Formal analysis is that analysis produces the estimates and test results, and Visualization presents them. Giving feedback on figures that someone else made is not Visualization: NISO lists review input on figures, tables and supplementary materials among the examples of Writing – review & editing. Drafting the article’s text belongs to Writing – original draft. Someone who both computed the estimates and drew the figures can list both roles.