Topics we will cover
The superpowers and limitations of our visual brain
We will discuss the things we are good ànd less good at when it comes to visual information processing
The three visualization lenses
These three lenses give you a framework for looking at and assessing the quality of a visualization. In addition, it enriches the vocabulary with which you address certain characteristics of a data vis. That, in turn, will help you create effective, clear, and attractive visualizations yourself.
Everything starts with a story
There are infinite possibilities to visualize even just two numbers! It is therefore of importance to clarify the story first. We will look at how to find a story first, and then tell it to your audience.
Mental framework to reach your audience
There is not one single route to the perfect data visualization. This framework by Alli Torban helps determine the different ways in which your audience may receive your visualization, and how you can adjust your design accordingly.
How to create this specific chart with software/tool X or Y?
So you know what you want to make and also which tool you want to do that with.... but you're not really sure how. There's help for that: Chartmaker links you to blogs, formats etc, per tool and type of visualisation!
How to create relatively non-standard visualisations, quickly?
In Rawgraphs you can upload your data, and visualize it in ways that are just outside of the 'standard Excel' realm, like Sankey plots, streamgraphs, etc.
The output of Rawgraphs is not 'polished' or 'final', but you can export it as a SVG file, which you can then finalise in Adobe Illustrator or.... (see next recommendation) using the online drawing/design platform Figma.
How do I make the last 'tweaks' to my visualisation?
Figma is a free, online design program for people who do not have Adobe Illustrator, but still want to polish their 'rough' SVG files (for example Rawgraphs' output, see previous point). You do need to register to create an account.
About me
Sara Maria Sprinkhuizen
I am a physicist who fell in love with MRI scanners, which launched my path into academia and health care. After finalizing my PhD in MRI physics (Utrecht University, the Netherlands) I moved to Boston for a post-doc (Harvard Medical School, USA). Over the past years I have also actively pursued my personal interest in data visualizations, often amazed at all the knowledge on that topic that is not yet found within academia. With my health care, data analytics, and data visualization experience, I now provide human centered and tailor-made data support for health care organizations and scientists.
Contact
Here to help, happy to connect
