How can you use the "Challenge-Solution" framework in data visualization?

1 What is the "Challenge-Solution" framework?

The "Challenge-Solution" framework is a simple but powerful way to organize your data story into three main parts: the challenge, the solution, and the impact. The challenge is the problem or opportunity that you want to address with your data. The solution is the action or recommendation that you propose based on your data analysis. The impact is the result or benefit that you expect from implementing your solution. By following this framework, you can create a clear and persuasive data story that engages your audience and drives them to action.

2 How to use the "Challenge-Solution" framework in data visualization?

To use the "Challenge-Solution" framework in data visualization, you need to design your visuals and narrative around the three parts of the framework. For the challenge, visuals that show the magnitude, urgency, or relevance of the problem or opportunity are ideal. Annotations, headlines, or captions can also be used to highlight key facts or questions that define the challenge. As for the solution, visuals that show the evidence, logic, or feasibility of your proposed action or recommendation should be used. Icons, labels, or colors can be employed to emphasize main points or steps of your solution. Lastly, visuals that show the outcome, value, or difference of your expected result or benefit should be used for the impact section. Numbers, percentages, or words can be used to quantify or qualify the impact of your solution.

3 What are some common pitfalls to avoid when using the "Challenge-Solution" framework?

When crafting a powerful data story with the "Challenge-Solution" framework, it's essential to be aware of potential pitfalls. For instance, you should ensure that your challenge and solution are connected and aligned, that your challenge is specific and relevant, and that your solution is clear, feasible, and impactful. Additionally, it's important to avoid presenting a challenge without a solution or a solution without a challenge, making your challenge too broad or too narrow, and making your solution too complex or too simple. Doing so will make your data story incomplete, irrelevant, vague, confusing, overwhelming, unrealistic or trivial.

4 How to practice using the "Challenge-Solution" framework in data visualization?

Using the "Challenge-Solution" framework in data visualization can be practiced by analyzing examples of data stories. Examples can be found in blogs, reports, presentations, or websites that use data visualization to communicate a problem and a solution. To evaluate and learn from these examples, ask yourself questions such as: what is the challenge presented visually and narratively? What is the solution proposed and how is it supported? What is the impact expected and how is it measured? Lastly, how effective is the data story in using the "Challenge-Solution" framework? Answering these questions can help you improve your understanding and skills when using this framework in data visualization.

6 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?