What are some best practices for visualizing and presenting your field research data analysis findings?

1 Choose the right format

Depending on your research goals, questions, and audience, you may want to use different formats to present your field research data analysis findings. For example, you can use reports, dashboards, infographics, posters, videos, or interactive prototypes to showcase your insights and recommendations. The format you choose should match the level of detail, interactivity, and engagement you want to achieve. You should also consider the time, budget, and resources you have available to create and deliver your presentation.

3 Tell a story

Your field research data analysis findings should not be just a collection of facts and figures. They should tell a story that connects with your audience and conveys your main message. You can use storytelling techniques, such as creating a narrative arc, using personas, scenarios, or quotes, or adding emotion and humor, to make your presentation more engaging and memorable. You should also structure your presentation in a logical and coherent way, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. You should also use transitions, summaries, and signposts to guide your audience through your presentation.

4 Provide context

Your field research data analysis findings should not be presented in isolation. They should be contextualized within the broader scope and purpose of your research project. You should provide some background information, such as the research objectives, methods, participants, and limitations, to help your audience understand how and why you conducted your field research. You should also relate your findings to existing literature, theories, or frameworks, to show how your research contributes to the field of knowledge. You should also acknowledge any assumptions, biases, or gaps in your data analysis, and discuss the implications and limitations of your findings.

5 Make recommendations

Your field research data analysis findings should not be just descriptive. They should be prescriptive and actionable. You should provide some recommendations based on your findings, such as suggesting solutions, improvements, or changes to address the user needs, problems, or opportunities you identified. You should also explain the rationale, benefits, and feasibility of your recommendations, and provide some evidence or examples to support them. You should also invite feedback, questions, or suggestions from your audience, and show how you plan to follow up or implement your recommendations.

6 Practice and refine

Your field research data analysis findings should not be presented without preparation. You should practice and refine your presentation before you deliver it to your audience. You should rehearse your presentation several times, either by yourself or with a colleague or friend, to check the timing, flow, and clarity of your presentation. You should also test your visual aids, equipment, and technology, to make sure they work properly and smoothly. You should also anticipate and prepare for potential questions, challenges, or objections from your audience, and have some responses ready.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?