Using Polygon Charts for Skills Assessment

The skills assessment polygon chart is one of the most widely used applications of radar chart visualization in HR and education. By plotting multiple skill dimensions on a single chart, managers, coaches, and educators can instantly visualize a complete competency profile for any individual or team.

What Skills to Include on a Polygon Chart

A skills assessment polygon chart typically includes 5 to 8 dimensions to keep the visualization readable. Common dimensions include technical skills, communication, leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, time management, and customer focus. Choose dimensions that are most relevant to the role or context being evaluated, and ensure each dimension can be rated on a consistent scale.

Setting Up the Scale

For skills assessments, a 1–5 or 1–10 scale is most common. Define what each level means clearly before collecting ratings to ensure consistent evaluation across different raters. A score of 1 typically represents a beginner or foundational level, while the highest score represents mastery or expert-level performance.

Comparing Current vs Target Performance

One of the most powerful uses of a skills assessment polygon chart is overlaying current performance against target or required performance. The gap between the two polygons immediately reveals which skills need the most development, making the chart an effective planning tool for learning and development programs.