Presenting Complex Data Visually

Betty AllenTwitter: @Bet_Allen

WHY PRESENT DATA VISUALLY?

It makes complex data easier to understand

It pulls out key messages and

provides clarity

It increases information retention

It creates something shareable

It creates excitement

You control the message

COMMUNICATING RESEARCH EFFECTIVELY: MAKING SHAREABLE PRODUCTS

What are the key messages here?

THE FOUR KEY CONSIDERATIONS:

• INITIAL IDEA – what part of your research do you want to present visually?

• LOGICAL PURPOSE – Does your graphic device have a purpose that adds to your key research messages?

• DESIGN PRINCIPLES – How will you create the best appearance and format for effective message communication? Which software tools will you use?

• PUBLICATION PLATFORM – Where will the graphic be published has direct implications on the level of detail, size, complexity, etc.

REMEMBER!• Information design tells a story with pictures. • It’s NOT ONLY about making something aesthetically pleasing, or about

branding, style or making a glossy product……It’s about making your research data:

CLEARCOMPELLINGand CONVINCING

Your data can only speak if you ask it a question, so work out…

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM YOUR DATA

and WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW IT

Then get creative with these tools…

SOFTWARE/TOOLS:

• StatPlanet: browser-based interactive data visualization and mapping application allows you to create a wide range of visualizations, from simple Flash maps to more advanced infograpahics. http://www.sacmeq.org/statplanet/

• Creately: this is easy to use Online Diagramming software - purpose built for team collaboration. http://creately.com/

• Hohli: this online chart maker is simple to use and allows you to create a range of colourful pie, line, scatter, radar and bar charts. http://charts.hohli.com/

• Tableau: a free Windows-only software for creating colourful data visualisations. http://www.tableausoftware.com/public/

SOFTWARE/TOOLS:

Xtimeline: allows you to create your own timelines of data.http://www.xtimeline.com/index.aspx

Gap Minder (Hans Rosling): allows you to upload data and create an interactive chart. http://www.gapminder.org/upload-data/

Many Eyes: allows you to upload data in a range of very versatile formats. http://www-958.ibm.com/software/data/cognos/manyeyes/

Google Chart Tools: allows you to include constantly changing research data sourced online. http://code.google.com/apis/chart/

Information is Beautiful