[Meta][VisBuilder] VisBuilder 2.0: Transition to use a single, unified visualization library and allow migration

[ananzh]

Background

While VisBuilder reached GA in version 2.15, it is currently limited to a few chart types and lacks the comprehensive set of controls necessary for complex visualizations. Meanwhile, the existing visualization library, vislib, cannot fulfill these requirements. For instance, new features like support for multiple query languages (PPL, SQL) and the ability to handle multiple data sources demand a more robust and flexible visualization tool. Additionally, adding controls to different visualization types using the current setup involves excessive effort. Maintaining multiple libraries such as vislib, timeline, and vega is inefficient and unsustainable.

User Perspective Requirement

• Enriched controls for current visualizations in VisBuilder
• More chart types in VisBuilder
• Migrate existing saved visualization to VisBuilder

Developer Perspective Requirement

• Simplify the customization process for developers, minimizing efforts and consolidating the use of a single visualization library.

To address these challenges, we propose to enhancing the current VisBuilder to leverage these requests to offer users powerful tools for data analysis and reporting, thereby improving the overall user experience and functionality of OpenSearch Dashboards.

Detailed Deliveries and Tasks

To address these challenges, we propose enhancing the current VisBuilder to create VisBuilder 2.0. This upgraded version will leverage user and developer requirements, offering powerful tools for data analysis and reporting, thereby improving the overall user experience and functionality of OpenSearch Dashboards.

1. Transition to a Unified Visualization Library

• [ ] https://github.com/opensearch-project/OpenSearch-Dashboards/issues/7067

2. Enrich Control Options

• [ ] Develop and integrate enriched control options for line charts.
• [ ] Develop and integrate enriched control options for bar charts.

3. Expand Chart Types:

• [ ] Add pie charts to VisBuilder.
• [ ] Rearch and Explore additional chart types based on user needs. (UX)

4.Migration of Existing Visualizations:

• [ ] https://github.com/opensearch-project/OpenSearch-Dashboards/issues/7082