Welcome to the Season 10 finale of the PolicyViz Podcast. I can’t believe I’ve been doing this podcast for 10 years! I’m truly grateful to all my guests and all my listeners who have been tuning in and, hopefully, have learned a lot about data, data visualization, presentation skills, and more. As I sign off for the summer, I hope you are able to take a break and get a bit of rest.

In this final episode of the season, I welcome Nancy Organ to the show to discuss her new book Data Visualization for People of All Ages. Nancy’s book aims to make dataviz accessible to everyday readers. Our conversation highlights the importance of not altering data simply for aesthetics but to facilitate understanding. We also explore balancing creativity with informed design choices, and suggest alternatives to traditional graphs, such as infographics, timelines, flowcharts, and diagrams.

Our discussion extends to the challenges of creating visually appealing infographics and the significance of design in effective communication. Because Nancy’s book could work well to help kids better understand data and data visualization, we talk about how she might better integrate data visualization into educational curriculums. We also talk about non-traditional learning environments like science camps and homeschooling, and we also discuss inclusivity and diverse thinking approaches.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website. [https://policyviz.com/podcast/episode-244-maureen-stone/]

Topics Discussed

 * Importance of Data Visualization. Nancy underscores the necessity of data visualization skills in the modern world and how these skills can be nurtured from a young age. Nancy’s book aims to demystify complex data concepts, starting with basic data units and building up to more sophisticated visual representations.
 * Educational Approach. Her book includes self-assessment tools and classroom exercises to facilitate learning with an emphasis on making the content relatable and straightforward for a broad audience.
 * Ethics in Data Visualization. There is a strong focus in Nancy’s book and in our conversation on maintaining data integrity and making ethical choices in visual storytelling.
 * Techniques and Tools. We also discuss various data visualization formats such as timelines and flowcharts and how to understand different data encodings to enhance perceptibility and engagement.
 * Incorporating Visualization into Education. Finally, Nancy and I talk about integrating data visualization and data science into the K-12 curriculum and how to promote visual thinking across multiple disciplines and learning environments.

Bridging Data Gaps: Nancy Organ on Making Data Visualization Accessible for All Ages

Summary

Georgia Lupi joins the show to discuss her work in data visualization, her journey from Accurat to Pentagram, and how she takes a human-centric perspective to working with and communicating data. Our conversation also focuses on her new book, “This is Me and Only Me.” The book encourages kids to observe and collect data to understand emotions and human questions, using symbols and colors to express emotions. Giorgia hopes the book will inspire kids and adults to be imaginative, observant, and mindful. We also have some breaking news on this episode because Giorgia is working on another big project, a new book called “Speak Data” that explores data as a language intersecting various fields.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website. [https://policyviz.com/podcast/episode-244-maureen-stone/]

Topics Discussed

1. Human-Centric Data Visualization. Georgia emphasizes the importance of incorporating human elements and context into data visualization to make data more relatable and engaging. She discusses how Pentagram utilizes these principles in various branding projects to create compelling stories with data.

2. Impact of Chronic Illness through Data. Georgia shares her personal experience with long COVID, illustrating how data can be used to convey the profound impact of chronic illness on individuals’ lives.

3. Children’s Book Project - “This is Me and Only Me”. Inspired by her Dear Dataexperiment with Stefanie Posavec, Georgia’s new book encourages children to observe, collect, and use data to understand their emotions and human questions. Through the use of symbols and colors, the book aims to make data visualization accessible and fun for kids and adults.

4. Upcoming Book - “Speak Data”. And yes, Giorgia is working on a new book project: Speak Data will delve into the concept of data as a language that intersects with various fields, featuring interviews and insights from diverse disciplines.

Data with Heart: Giorgia Lupi’s Journey from Visualization to Human Connection

Nicole Lachenmeier and Darjan Hil’s new book, Visualizing Complexity: Modular Information Design Handbook [https://www.amazon.com/Visualizing-Complexity-Modular-Information-Handbook/dp/3035625042/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1UPHXTMMI9Q62&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qHljja7YnuYYdWFejMCVm6o2VWmTGzYPq5o06Zdc6kM.ndIo-ZnkprRygfpdJnSQk2-8Z1jVoyBNeHL4s5Kky1c&dib_tag=se&keywords=Nicole+Lachenmeier&qid=1717439496&sprefix=%2Caps%2C314&sr=8-1], focuses on deconstructing data encodings into fundamental elements to create effective visualizations. They take an exciting and hands-on approach to data visualization design for their own work and how they teach design to others. In this week’s episode of the podcast, our conversation highlights Nicole and Darjan’s journey in data design and how they stress the importance of deliberate thinking, manual effort, and critical analysis in their design process.

While our conversation often focuses on the details of the book, we also take a larger perspective to data visualization and discuss the need to simplify data for better comprehension through hands-on visualization workshops and the significance of selecting appropriate charts. We explore the complexity of chart selection and focus on breaking down elements of charts and graphs for better design. Nicole and Darjan talk about their collaborative process of writing a book that effectively integrates visuals and text along with the challenges they encountered and the positive feedback they’ve received.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website. [https://policyviz.com/podcast/episode-244-maureen-stone/]

Topics Discussed

 * Authors’ Journey in Data Design. Nicole and Darjan share their extensive experiences in the field and their emphasis on deliberate thinking, manual effort, and critical analysis as pillars of the design process.
 * Understanding Basic Visualizations. We discuss the importance of mastering fundamental visualization techniques and using manual sketching as a vital tool for improving design skills and fostering creativity.
 * Selecting Appropriate Charts. We talk about the complexities inherent in choosing the right chart for your data and how their approach can help you break down chart elements into elementary pieces
 * Book Creation and Integration. The authors share their collaborative process of merging visuals and text in their new book

Deconstructing Data: The Modular Information Design Handbook with Nicole 

Nathan Yau’s Flowing Data [https://flowingdata.com/] website was one of the first data visualization websites I discovered in my own data journey. With his new book, Visualize This [https://amzn.to/3VfRWhl], now out, I thought it would be a great opportunity to talk with Nathan about his work, his book, and how his own approach to data has evolved over the last several years.

The new edition of Visualize This [https://amzn.to/3VfRWhl] enriches readers with modern techniques and examples, focusing on effectively learning data visualization by exploring different data types and designing for clear communication, even for those without a formal design background. Nathan emphasizes the necessity of audience-appropriate visualizations and the selection of suitable tools, all of which have changed and evolved since the first edition of the book was published in 2011.

We obviously talk about the latest book in this episode of the podcast, including Nathan’s process for creating graphics (a lot of R and Adobe Illustrator), his professional growth from a statistics PhD program to embracing full-time visualization work. We discuss the nuances of handling feedback, the differentiation between misinformation and subjective interpretation, and the significance of constructive criticism. We also touch on challenges for newcomers in the field, the need for clearer communication of uncertainty, and the potential of virtual and augmented reality.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website. [https://policyviz.com/podcast/episode-244-maureen-stone/]

Topics Discussed

 * Updated Techniques and Modern Examples: Nathan’s new edition of “Visualize This” brings to the forefront the latest in data visualization, incorporating modern techniques and examples that cater to both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
 * Learning by Exploring: The book emphasizes a hands-on approach to understanding data visualization. It guides readers through exploring different data types and designing visualizations that communicate clearly, irrespective of the reader’s design background.
 * Personal Data Collection and Analysis: Nathan shares his insights into the importance of personal data collection for self-analysis, a practice influenced by his time at the New York Times. This self-exploratory journey into data helps individuals understand the nuances of their own information.
 * The Growth of Flowing Data: Nathan reflects on the evolution of his      platform, Flowing Data, highlighting its expansion to include daily      emails, tutorials, and personal projects.

Evolving Data Visualization: Crafting the Second Edition of Visualize This with Nathan Yau

Welcome to a solo episode! In this special episode of the podcast, I talk about the recen Tableau Customer conference in San Diego, which drew over 9,000 participants. I reflect on various aspects of the conference, including its diverse sessions that ranged from showcasing new Tableau features and case studies to hands-on workshops and discussions on data visualization beyond Tableau. I was a presenter at TC and presented my work on the Urban Institute’s Do No Harm Project.

My review of the conference focuses just on the positives of the conference—the upcoming features in Tableau, such as allowing Tableau Public users to save work their locally, as well as some thoughts on why I—who is not a huge Tableau user—actually attends the conference. I also discuss a few of the sessions I attended, including hands-on sessions and games in Tableau.

Topics Discussed

 * Conference Overview: A recap of the Tableau Conference, highlighting its scale with over 9,000 participants and the variety of sessions that catered to both seasoned data analysts and newcomers to the field.
 * Tableau’s New Features. Significant updates to Tableau, including the ability for Tableau Public users to save work locally – a feature that potentially redefines the need for Tableau Desktop licenses. I also talk about the introduction of customizable themes, Google Fonts integration, VIS Extensions, and the leaps in AI and real-time data integration within Tableau.
 * Community and Networking: I reflect on the value of the community that Tableau fosters, especially through networking opportunities that are more crucial than ever in the post-pandemic era.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website. [https://policyviz.com/podcast/episode-244-maureen-stone/]

Insights from the Tableau Conference in San Diego

You know Enrico Bertini, right? Writer, teacher, co-host of the Data Stories podcast, Enrico does it all. Now at Northeastern University, I invited Enrico to the show to talk about his research, great Substack newsletter, and for views on the evolving landscape of data visualization on social media. In our discussion, Enrico emphasized the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration at Northeastern University. He has some concerns about the current state of visualization theory and tools and talks about his ideas around “critical data thinking” as a crucial way of thinking about data visualization, highlighting the challenges of data accuracy and interpretation. We also talk about Enrico’s teaching methods to help students improve their data interpretation and data visualization skills. Enrico and I share some of the same feelings about the shifts in social media use in the dataviz community, and how it has led to a loss in diverse intellectual exchanges, underscoring the importance of finding new ways to foster community engagement and creativity, including through writing platforms like Substack and LinkedIn.

Topics Discussed

 * The Current State of Visualization Theories and Tools: Enrico critiques the prevalent theories and tools in data visualization, calling for a more systematic and thoughtful approach to both creating and interpreting visual data.
 * Challenges of Presenting Accurate Data: Our conversation delves into the difficulties faced in presenting precise and accurate data, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these challenges have impacted the field.
 * Impact of Social Media Platform Shifts: A significant focus of our conversation is on the changing landscape of social media platforms, particularly the decline of Twitter as a crucial space for professional exchanges within the data visualization community.
 * Reflections Prompted by the Pandemic: Enrico reflects on the pandemic’s role in helping him reevaluate his work and teaching practices, which is a helpful insight into how his creativity has changed and adapted over the last few years.
 * The Role of Newsletters in Idea Refinement and Audience Connection: Enrico shares insights into how newsletters have become a pivotal tool for refining ideas and connecting with a diverse audience, including students from various disciplines, fostering a richer, more engaged community.
 * Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Innovation: Highlighting the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, especially at Northeastern, this week’s episode showcases how interactions between computer science engineering students and design peers, as well as varied problem-solving approaches from faculty members, can lead to fresh insights and propel the field forward.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website. [https://policyviz.com/podcast/episode-244-maureen-stone/]

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Visualizing the Future: Navigating the Shifts in Data Storytelling with Enrico Bertini

On this week’s episode of the podcast, I speak to author and teacher Nick Desbarats about his new book, Practical Charts: The Essential Guide to Creating Clear, Compelling Charts for Reports and Presentations [https://amzn.to/3UporIv].  Our conversation covers choosing appropriate chart types, emphasizing simplicity and clarity, and understanding when to use different formats. Nick aims to challenge dogmatic views on charts, such as the use of pie charts, and stresses the importance of catering to the audience’s familiarity with graph types. Our chat also includes insights on transitioning to online teaching during the pandemic, the distinction between clear graphs and dashboards, and the significance of mastering fundamentals in data visualization for beginners and intermediates. If you’re familiar with Stephen Few’s work, you’re also bound to find some behind-the-scenes gems in this week’s episode.

Topics Discussed

 * Choosing the Right Chart. Nick kicks off our conversation with an essential primer on selecting the appropriate chart types for different datasets. His focus is on simplicity and clarity, ensuring that the chosen chart communicates the intended message as effectively as possible.
 * Challenging Chart Dogmas. Prepare to have your preconceptions challenged as Nick takes on the controversial stance on pie charts and other commonly debated graph types. It’s all about breaking the mold and understanding why certain charts work better for specific audiences.
 * Catering to Audience Familiarity. A significant portion of our chat is dedicated to the importance of tailoring chart choices to the audience’s level of comfort and familiarity with different types of graphs. This segment is crucial for anyone looking to maximize the impact of their data presentations.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website. [https://policyviz.com/podcast/episode-244-maureen-stone/]

Sponsor: Whisper Transcribe

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Charting Success: Nick Desbarats’ Practical Approach to Data Visualization 

In this week’s episode of the PolicyViz Podcast, I interview Rahul Bhargava from Northeastern University on the topic of data physicalization. We discuss the role of community engagement and societal impact in communicating data and including different people and communities. Our conversation touches upon teaching combined majors at Northeastern and expanding data engagement through Rahul’s participatory art methods. We explore the limitations of visual learning and advocate for including diverse voices via data sculptures and embodied experiences.

Topics Discussed

 * Inclusivity in Data-Driven Society. The episode opens with a discussion on the necessity of inclusivity in our increasingly data-centric world. Rahul shares his insights into how data physicalization can bridge the gap between complex data and diverse community members.
 * Teaching Combined Majors at Northeastern. Rahul gives us a glimpse into Northeastern’s approach to education, emphasizing the value of combined majors that integrate data science with other disciplines.
 * Participatory Art Methods in Data Engagement. Rahul describes his use of art tomake data more accessible and engaging. We talk about the potential of data sculptures and embodied experiences to include those who may not be reached through traditional visual data presentations.
 * Culturally Sensitive Approaches to Data. We discuss the importance ofunderstanding and respecting cultural differences, particularly when working with youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
 * Community Empowerment through Data. Rahul shares his strategies for adapting data collection and dissemination to empower communities, and his use of everyday materials like craft items to make data physicalization more inclusive.
 * Data Literacy and Design Principles. Finally, we discuss on how to build data literacy by employing engaging and thoughtful design principles.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website. [https://policyviz.com/podcast/episode-244-maureen-stone/]

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Data Beyond the Screen: Sculpting Community Voices with Rahul Bhargava

Amanda Makulec is the current Executive Director of the Data Visualization Society (DVS), and in this week’s episode of the PolicyViz Podcast, we discuss her journey and the DVS’s evolution as it approaches its fifth anniversary. Amanda shares her experience starting as a volunteer all the way to leading the entire organization. With her second term coming to an end, she emphasizes the importance of term limits and her commitment to ensuring the organization’s sustainability by focusing on operational systems, finances, compliance, and community responsiveness.

Topics Discussed

 * Leadership and Evolution of DVS. Amanda discusses her path from volunteering to leading DVS and reflects on the importance of term limits and her dedication to the sustainability of the society.
 * Community Building and Knowledge Sharing. Amanda discusses DVS’s role as a hub for individuals from different tech backgrounds to share insights and best practices and how DVS seeks to create more meaningful community spaces.
 * Data Literacy and Supportive Initiatives. We discuss DVS’s commitment to data literacy and providing a nurturing environment through initiatives like the Outlier conference and the Nightingale magazine.
 * Navigating Social Media and Communication Platforms. As I’ve talked about with other recent guests, we talk about decreased engagement on Twitter/X and limited real-time interaction on LinkedIn. We discuss the balance between online space fragmentation, privacy, and psychological safety, as well as DVS’s use of Slack and potential migration to other platforms such as Discord.
 * Financial Challenges and Operational Sustainability. We talk about the financial constraints of DVS, including the high costs of Slack, and the importance of allocating the budget wisely to support key community and operations management roles.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website. [https://policyviz.com/podcast/episode-244-maureen-stone/]

Sponsor: Ant Design System for Figma

Design and develop Ant Design projects faster than ever! The powerful UI kit for Figma [https://figma.com/] based on the most popular React UI library - Ant Design [https://antforfigma.lemonsqueezy.com/?aff=005k5]. Create and implement well-documented Ant Design apps in no time!

 * Variables, Auto Layout, Variants, Component Properties
 * Dedicated Figma Plugin [https://www.antforfigma.com/theme-buddy-figma-plugin] to copy style settings from Figma to code
 * Hover and click interactions for easy prototyping
 * Switch between light and dark theme
 * Developer-friendly components

Charting New Horizons: Amanda Makulec on Leadership, Community, and the Human Touch Behind DataViz

In this week’s episode, I chat with Dietmar Offenhuber about his new book, Autographic Design and the concept of autographic data analysis. Dietmar stresses the significance of recognizing the material origins of data and the influence of extraneous variables. He advocates for a qualitative approach that pays attention to data traces, which can uncover deeper narratives. In our conversation, we explore what is meant by autographic design and urge a wider lens on data to grasp multifaceted problems thoroughly. Additionally, Dietmar’s work underscores the interplay between qualitative and quantitative methods, emphasizing the role of subtlety and conjecture in data interpretation to bring a more nuanced understanding of the stories behind the numbers.

Topics Discussed

 * The Material Context of Data Collection. We dive into why understanding where and how data is collected is paramount for accurate analysis. We talk through a number of examples in Dietmar’s work and book.
 * The Impact of the Third Variable. We explore how the introduction of a third variable can dramatically shift the interpretation of data and data visualizations. We discuss the importance of being vigilant for these variables to avoid erroneous assumptions.
 * Unintentional Digital Traces. Our conversation uncovers the value of unintentional digital traces that we leave behind and how they can be a gold mine for analysts.
 * Qualitative Meets Quantitative. We discuss the need for blending qualitative insights with quantitative research and how they can complement each other to provide a fuller picture of analysis.
 * The Speculative Nature of Data Analysis. We address the inherently speculative aspect of data analysis, highlighting the fact that, despite the numbers, much of what analysts do involves informed guesswork.
 * A Call for Collaboration. The discussion opens the floor for collaborative efforts, emphasizing that the best results often come from pooling knowledge and expertise across different fields.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website. [https://policyviz.com/podcast/episode-244-maureen-stone/]

Sponsor: Maryland Institute College of Art

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Tracing the Narrative: The Art of Autographic Design in Data Analysis with Dietmar Offenhuber

Jon Schwabish | Economist, Data Visualization, and Presentation Specialist

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