The Big Number problem: bringing massive quantities down to human scale

Have you ever stared at a statistic about global hunger or climate change and felt a sense of overwhelming numbness? It's not you. Humans simply weren't built to grasp quantities in the billions or trillions. This is the "Big Number problem," a cognitive hurdle that data visualisation can help us overcome.

Why big numbers leave us cold

Our brains excel at understanding things we can perceive with our senses. A handful of apples? Easy. A million apples? Not so much. Beyond a certain point, numbers morph into abstract concepts, failing to trigger the emotional response needed for true comprehension.

"Deforestation has caused the loss of an area of rainforest twice the size of Texas."? While this is a huge statistic, the true scale might be lost. This is where data visualisation comes to the rescue.

Data viz: bridging the gap

Data visualisations translate overwhelming numbers into formats our brains can readily grasp. Here's how:

• Visual comparisons: Juxtaposing a familiar object with a vast quantity provides a relatable scale. Think: "The plastic dumped in the ocean each year weighs as much as 32 Empire State Buildings!"
• Interactive elements: Allowing users to manipulate data lets them explore its magnitude firsthand. Imagine zooming through a timeline showcasing historical CO2 emissions.
• Storytelling through visuals: Linking multiple visualisations together can show different angles of the data, allowing you to get a much richer understanding than just a single figure.
• Experiential design: Installations that allow your audience to experience the data in novel and impactful ways.?

Putting theory into practice

53,780 plastic bottles are thrown away in New York every hour. It’s impossible to fathom what that looks like before you even try to grasp what that means over a longer time-scale or a larger geographical area. However, a great example of how these huge numbers can be visualised in this giant cloud sculpture. Allowing people to walk through and sit inside the plastic bottle sculpture prompted them to properly consider the impact and scale of this number.??

Why it matters: beyond the numbers

Understanding the Big Number problem is crucial for tackling real-world challenges. Issues like climate change require collective action, but public apathy often stems from a lack of comprehension. Data visualisation can bridge this gap, turning overwhelming statistics into actionable insights.

By making the scale of these challenges relatable, data visualisation empowers individuals to become active participants in solutions. It's about sparking a sense of urgency and fostering a collective responsibility.

The power of storytelling with data

Data visualisation isn't just about numbers; it's about storytelling. By translating the Big Number problem into a human-centric narrative, we can ignite a sense of wonder, spark conversation, and ultimately, inspire action.