Storytelling with Data: A Great Guide for Data Visualizations + Example
“Storytelling with Data” by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic is a must-read for anyone looking to transform their data analysis and visualization skills. As an urban planner with a passion for data science, I found Knaflic’s approach to be both engaging and highly practical.
The central notion of the book is that data, much like physical space, requires thoughtful “architecture” to guide the reader through a compelling narrative. By strategically leveraging size, colour, shapes, words, and other design elements, analysts can direct the audience’s attention and create impactful visual stories that resonate.
Let’s see an example from storytelling with data.
The following diagram just shows some data. I get confused with colours, numbers and unnecessary details. there are lots of them. If you want to re-design the diagram, what would you do? What is the main story? What do you want to show your boss or clients?
See the title! Here is the main message: Consumer behaviour has changed. After that, with diagrams, you can explain how has changed over time. Numbers, colours and fonts are selective and careful.
If you want to keep going with bars, here is a revised bar chart. Minimal and beautiful as well as informative and concise. At a glance, you get the main insight.
Here are tips for impactful designing of diagrams:
There are more clear examples and actionable tips in the book. Knaflic demonstrates how to take complex data and distil it into captivating narratives.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned data professional, this book offers invaluable insights to elevate your presentation and communication skills.
Key Takeaways for Data Analysts
1. Understand Your Audience: Knaflic emphasizes the importance of tailoring your data visualizations to the specific needs and preferences of your target audience. This ensures your message is clear, relevant, and impactful.
2. Embrace the Power of Simplicity: We should resist the temptation to overload visualizations with excessive data points or design elements. Instead, focus on highlighting the most critical information in a clean, uncluttered manner.
3. Leverage Effective Design Principles: From colour theory to typography, Knaflic delves into the fundamental design principles that can transform ordinary data displays into visually striking and informative stories.
4. Iterate and Refine: We should continuously test, evaluate, and refine our data visualizations. Seek feedback, experiment with different approaches, and be willing to adapt your strategies based on audience response.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Power of Data Narratives
If you’re a data analyst, urban planner, or anyone looking to enhance your ability to communicate complex information and design informative presentations, “Storytelling with Data” is a must-read. Knaflic’s practical guidance and engaging style will empower you to transform raw data into captivating narratives that inspire, inform, and influence your audience.
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Cheers
