Interactive visualization of statistical information

OECD / ISTAT Seminar on

Dynamic Graphics for Presenting Statistical Indicators

Rome, 5 – 6 March 2007

Hans-Joachim MittagUniversity of Hagen, Germany

joachim.mittag@fernuni-hagen.dewww.fernuni-hagen.de/jmittag/en

Interactive visualization of statistical information

1. Starting point:

The multimedia project “New Statistics”

2. Applications to official statistics Dynamic data presentation Interactive publication

3. Outlook Combining data and interactive maps

Virtual libraries for the public

1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics”

E-learning project for statistics education funded by the German government (until 2004)

Consortium of 10 German universities Covers all topics of an introductory statistics course Goal: Improving the quality of statistics education

→ www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics

1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics”

Development of e-learning modules for statistics education (mainly for use at universities)

Pillars of the e-modules: Statistical Lab:

ad-hoc analyses of user-defined data sets

Animations (Flash): explanation of

statistical theory

Case studies: “Real” life problems / data sets from

different sciences

Interactive experiments and simulations (Java):

“trying out” statistical methods

→ www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics

Java applets: link “Library ..“ Publications: link „Project-related ..“

1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics”

Examples (interactive visualization of statistical theory)

Virtual coin experiment: “Playing“ with distribution parameters:

→ Illustration

2. Applications to official statistics

Transfer: Educational world → Official statistics

Statistics education:Interactive experiments / simulations

(user-controlled exploration of statistical methods)

Official statistics:Interactive visualization of data / indicators(user-controlled exploration of data sets)

→

Examples (interactive visualization of data sets):

Unemployment rates in Europe

European e-Business Index

2. Applications to official statistics

Examples (interactive visualization of data sets):

Capital-city regions

Gross earnings in Europe

2. Applications to official statistics

→ Illustration

2 . Applications to official statistics

Design principles for interactive data visualization

Design as self-contained mini learning worlds Example: Start with graphical data presentation but do not hide numerical information and meta data

Support user-controlled data exploration Example: Provision of different graphical instruments enabling the

user to discover key information behind the data

Avoid information overload and superficial show effects Examples: not too many graphs simultaneously,

cautious use of colours, no blinking data points

2 . Applications to official statistics

Why Java-based? Usually no “plug-in” needed

Standardized programming, use of class libraries

Platform independence, online and offline use possible

Almost unlimited technical possibilities:

animation (dynamic pyramids), inclusion of interactive maps combination with content based on other platforms (Flash, SVG), database connection

2 . Applications to official statistics

Stand-alone use of Java applets: Online:

Via Web sites of statistical offices

http://forum.europa.eu.int/irc/dsis/wages/info/data/index.htm

Offline:

Dynamic PowerPoint presentation (press conferences)

CD-ROMs / DVDs complementing printed publications

Example: Eurostat Yearbook on Regions 2003

2 . Applications to official statistics

Use of Java applets as part of Web publications:

Added value of interactivity

2 . Applications to official statistics

Use of Java applets as part of Web publications (cont.):

http://forum.europa.eu.int/irc/dsis/wages/info/data/interactive.htm

→ Illustration

3 . Outlook

The approach presented is only a starting point for further development

and refinement, preferably with experienced partners.

Next steps:

• Interface “large database – Java applets” (automatic updating)

• Integration of export and print functionalities

• Combination of Java and SVG developments

• Animation of Java applets as long as animation contributes to a better understanding of the data

• Virtual libraries containing elements for data visualization (in particular: “eye-catcher” based on international data)

3 . Outlook

Virtual libraries containing elements for interactive data visualization sharing between different content providers (national

/ supranational statistical offices, educational institutions); use for statistical training

“Eye-catcher” based on international data

Examples:

Interactive graphs for key indicators

Dynamic maps + information on indicators

Animated presentation of indicators over time Interactive online publications for the public

Web links:

http://www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics

→ Path “Library .. / Official statistics”

http://forum.europa.eu.int/Public/irc/dsis/wages/information

→ Link “Interactive visualization of statistical information” → Link “Interactive publications”

Cooperation partners wanted !