Why communicate through data visualization

Data visualization is one of the few mediums that reveals the big picture while also allowing us to zoom in to gain new insights through comparability and trends.

There are two ways I work with data:

Viz the world

“Massive Change is not about the world of design; it’s about the design of the world” – Bruce Mau

I view data visualization in the same way. We see many reports and dashboards that aid our understanding about a topic. But, I believe data visualization can soar beyond this by integrating into our everyday life through novel solutions.

For example, I incorporated data visualization into the design of a restaurant menu to help customers more easily “digest” a complex list of offerings. Another example is when I created a unique solution to communicate amendments made to the US Bankruptcy Code through a series of cards.

Data documentaries

There is a lot of potential to explore the human condition and the nuances of how we live through data. Similar to film documentaries, data documentaries capture what is happening, except it condenses time. By visualizing the invisible at a glance, we can form deeper connections with ourselves and each other.

For example, I collected and visualized three months’ worth of data on my daily muscle aches to better understand my overall health. I learned that my mental state is deeply connected to my physical state, and it inspired others to collect data on themselves as well. Data documentaries do a great job at showing abstract concepts. When I was working at Kantar, I wanted to capture the warmth and positivity I felt from the people there. I documented the number of laughs I heard through the day for several weeks. This visualization speaks about how laughter fosters joy and relationships.

What I am currently working on

I make  YouTube videos showing various projects I make as I experiment with data visualization.