Information graphics and data visualization

Intro /definition

• Encoding data and information using chart and graphics– They need to tell a story

• Infographics tell stories; information visualization let readers discover stories by themselves. – Explaining vs Presenting 

Key functions it supports

• Tell your story, communicate

• Convey abstract information in an easily digestible format; sense making

• Analyze your data, present, compare, discover relations

• Create shareable and social media friendly content

How to use it

• Main things to consider:

– What function(s) is the information designed to support? What’s the goal?

– Who is your intended audience?

– What forms can you use?

Source: Visualizing Information for Advocacy 

Where to start?

• Analyze your data

• Define your goal/message

• Sort and sketch – overview first, zoom and filter, then details on demand

• Test and tweak

• Publish and disseminate

Resources, and links

• Visualizing Information for Advocacy http://www.tacticaltech.org/sites/tacticaltech.org/files/infodesign.pdf

• Make Your Own Infographic http://www.wildapricot.com/blogs/newsblog/2010/05/25/make-your-own-infographic

Useful tools• Wordle – Generate “word clouds” from text

http://www.wordle.net/

• XTimeline – Create and explore timelineshttp://xtimeline.com/index.aspx

• Creately – Easily draw diagrams onlinehttp://creately.com/

• Infogr.am – Create interactive infographicshttp://infogr.am

• ManyEyes – Upload your datahttp://www-958.ibm.com/software/data/cognos/manyeyes

Useful tools

• Tableau - Windows-only software for creating colourful data visualisationshttp://www.tableausoftware.com/public/

• Google Fusion Tables – Upload your data, visualize & collaboratehttp://www.google.com/fusiontables/Home/

• Gapminder – Upload data, interactive charts http://www.gapminder.org/upload-data/

• Visual.ly – a community for sharing infographics

• Piktochart - http://piktochart.com/

Credits

• Julia Reich - Infographics & Data Visualization: Not Your Grandmother’s Pie Chart

• Betty Allen - Presenting Complex Data Visually

• Tactical Tech - Visualizing Information for Advocacy

• KSToolkit – http://www.kstoolkit.org