What is Information Visualization? A photo or a painting is a visualization, but the information provided by a photo is limited. Information visualization, on the other hand, is a process that combines quantitative or qualitative DATA + GRAPHICS to effectively communicate information to a general viewer or target audience.

Photograph: Kanye West Data Portrait: Word Cloud portrait of Kanye West How did Information Visualization Become so Popular? • How were computers used before the world wide web became public in 1994? • What other ways do we use the computer now? • How many hours are we on digital devices daily? • What is it doing to us physically?

What does Information Visualization Look Like? Data can be analyzed and visualized in many forms. One of the most common forms of information visualization is an Information Graphic or “Infographic”. Infographics compile and transform large amounts of data. Then bring information to life through color, composition, copy, graphs, charts, maps, word clouds, icons and/or content appropriate illustrations, which educate the reader on a specific topic. Most infographics include keys and/or explanations with insightful descriptions to enhance reader comprehension. All infographics cite the source of their data.

Information visualization tells a complete story and reveals what a single data set on the World Wide Increase of PVC Consumption or a single data point of a seal harmed by plastic waste cannot.

A Little History: Why is Information Visualization Valuable? 1854, Dr. John Snow, Cholera Epidemic, SOHO London Snow’s Dot Distribution Map on the areas of outbreak density determined that the Broad Street water pump was the source of the Cholera epidemic. The pump was replaced and the outbreak ended.

1857, Florence Nightingale, Causes of Mortality During the Crimean War Nightingale’s Coxcomb Chart showed that most deaths were caused from diseases contracted off the battlefield. Nightingale’s infographic allowed her to successfully petition Queen Victoria to improve sanitation conditions in military hospitals.

1861, Charles Minard, Napoleon’s March to Moscow Minard’s Thematic Map captured the 4 variables (travel direction, locations, man power and death from hunger, wounds and temperature) that lead to Napoleon’s downfall. Minard’s chart was studied by future military strategists to avoid defeat.

 

2015, Infographics are a Form of Viral Marketing

Narrative Infographics – biased opinion used to influence the reader

Explorative Infographics – unbiased opinion for educational purposes

Infographics that Experiment with Design Methods

Quantified Self Movement Infographics

Infographic Resumes

What Does the Data Collection Process Look Like?

Primary Research: the collection of original data through first hand accounts of personal research that include: direct observation and documentation, interviews, questionnaires, experiments, beta testing, etc.

Secondary Research: the collection and synthesis of existing research through published books, websites, newspapers, statistics, databases, documentaries, etc.

Meta Data: the information (who, what, when, where, why and how) about the collection process and contents of your data. Metadata describes the creation of any data set, on any subject, stored in any data format. This often includes: 1) Who: Creator or author of the data

2) What: the Means of creation of the data

3) When: Time and date of creation

4) Where: Location of the data’s creation, collection and/or storage

5) Why: Purpose of the data and its use

6) How: the Standards used in the collection of the data. (ex. The Library database

contains metadata on each book: author, title, ISBN, Publisher…)

How is Meta Data used in Online Dating?

Data Point: A discrete unit of information. Any single fact that you collect is a data point. In a statistical or analytical context, a data point is usually derived from a measurement or fact and can be represented numerically or graphically. When you gather a series of related data points, you create a Data Set. Database: A structure that holds and categories data points so they can be viewed as a whole (Data Set) and analyzed in various ways. Data Set: A categorized collection of data that has been researched and organized around a theme or subject (ex. Monthly Dollar amount of Sales produced by each Regional Sales Rep). Data Sets allow the user to easily search, organize and compare data and spot trends occurring in data that would easily go unnoticed.

In addition, a data set is a snapshot in time that captures something that moves and changes. When data sets are combined, they form aggregates and statistical summaries.

• Aggregates - a whole formed by several elements of compiled data. (Kayak.com, Google Shopping)

• Statistical Summaries - summarize a set of observations in order to communicate the largest amount of information as simply as possible. (New York Census, www.census.gov/regions/new_york/)

Data Visualization: A visual representation of Data or Data Sets in the form of graphs, charts, maps, isotypes, etc. which bring purpose to data by allowing the viewer to easily understand patterns, trends and connections in information.

Two Main Categories of Data 1) Qualitative Data: Anything non-numerical, this can include both information and illustration. Ex: Lists or comparative lists, word clouds, narratives, timelines.

2) Quantitative Data: Information that involves a measurement of any kind, typically taking a numerical form.

What is the Formula for Successful Information Visualization? Thesis, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Design + Visualization = Storytelling The best infographics take otherwise complex databases and highlight the most revealing facts and comparisons, allowing for faster comprehension and retention by the target audience. The quality of an infographic is measured by 4 components:

1. Build A Compelling Thesis Look around you! What information would help others form an opinion or make a decision? Successful infographics always provide information that is valuable to the reader.

2. Determine Your Target Audience. Who is this information for and how will they use it? What information would be most valuable to them?

3. Collect Effective and Credible Data

Always collect the most recent data from credible sources (annual reports, .gov datasets, primary research).

4. Use Selective Data Visualization Focus on visualizing the data that builds your argument and supports your thesis.

5. Create Visually Irresistible Yet Appropriate Design

Your audience will form an opinion about the quality of an infographic based on the design alone. When viewers see bad design, they assume that the data presented is not credible. Know whom you are designing for. Design elements should always be professional, support the objective of your thesis and appeal to your target audience, not the individual preference of the designer.

What Makes for a Bad Infographic?