What are the most effective data visualization projects and how can you learn from them?

2 How to find data visualization projects

Gaining knowledge in data visualization can be done by studying projects created by others. You can find these projects on various online platforms, blogs, books, magazines, podcasts, and conferences. Some of the most renowned sources include the Data Visualization Society, which is a global community of data visualization practitioners and enthusiasts; Information is Beautiful, a website and book series by David McCandless that displays data visualizations on topics such as politics and health; FlowingData, a website and newsletter by Nathan Yau that explores how data can be used to understand the world; The Pudding, a digital publication that utilizes data visualization and interactive storytelling to explain various phenomena; and Visualizing Data, a website and book series by Andy Kirk that provides insight into data visualization with examples, reviews, interviews, and challenges.

3 How to evaluate data visualization projects

When you look at data visualization projects, you should not just admire them for their aesthetics or novelty. To evaluate the effectiveness and quality of a data visualization project, consider its purpose, data accuracy and relevancy, design elements, interactivity, and impact. The purpose should be aligned with the data source, audience, and context. The data should support the purpose and story. Visual elements such as colors, shapes, scales, labels, and legends should be appropriate, clear, and consistent. Features that allow the user to explore, manipulate, or customize the data visualization should be engaging, intuitive, and responsive. Finally, the data visualization should be memorable, persuasive, and actionable to elicit emotions, insights, or actions from the user.

4 How to learn from data visualization projects

Evaluating data visualization projects is a great way to learn and apply lessons and best practices to your own projects. You can replicate the project using similar data and tools to gain insight into the data, design, and process. Critiquing the strengths and weaknesses of the project can help develop critical thinking and creative skills. Adapting the project to a different purpose, data, audience, or context can explore different possibilities. And innovating on the project can help you express your own voice and style in data visualization.

5 How to showcase your data visualization projects

Learning from data visualization projects is not enough. To demonstrate your skills, share your insights, and get feedback you must showcase your own data visualization projects. You can do this by creating a portfolio website or platform that displays your projects, writing a blog post or article about it, sharing it on social media platforms, and delivering a presentation or webinar. Doing all of this can help you make sense of data and communicate it effectively, while also improving your data visualization skills and projects to reach personal and professional goals with data.

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?