I am a freelance Data Visualization Designer.
I find creative ways to transform your data into bespoke visualizations that are useful to your everyday life.
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.
How data visualizations are created
The process I use when I create data visualizations combine design thinking with user experience design. I focus on the target audience and work to understand their needs.
1. Identify target audience
At the core of every product is to solve a user’s problem. The first step to any design process is to identify the target audience and their needs.
2. Define the problem
Identifying the problem depends on the target audience defined. This step takes time and precision to define. What are their pain points? How can we relieve them? Are there ways to help create new gains for them? This step takes inspiration from the Value Proposition Design process.
3. Research and develop domain knowledge
Developing familiarity with the content is critical because content determines form. This process may involve additional research and consulting domain experts.
4. Concept development
A concept acts as a compass that guides the direction of the design. The concept is developed based on the problem being solved and intended outcomes.
5. Prototype ideas early
Testing several ideas out early in the process is crucial to understanding if the current design direction is valid. This takes form of quick sketches with paper and pen, and crude mock-ups. This step can quickly determine design directions to further pursue.
6. Design and iterate
When specific design directions have been determined, they are further iterated through frequent feedback sessions and check-ins. This process is very short to get to a form that is as complete as possible. If possible, this step would also involve testing the design with end-users.
What I am currently working on
Follow me on Instagram to see what I am up to. I make Instagram carousels exploring data visualization practices and test out various ideas. I am currently participating in the daily creative challenge called the 100daychallenge that runs from April to July. This year, I am studying books designed by Pentagram (a renowned design consultancy) to better understand book layout.
What others have said about me
I’ve worked across several industries and roles ranging from operations in a startup to developing personal brands for professionals. I have developed skills that allow me to execute at a high level as well as on a day-to-day basis.
Contact me
Have questions about my work? Interested in hiring me? Want to work on a collaboration?
I talk a bit about me here and have written about my career development here.