Data Visualization Maps

Many stories can be told with data. Data can also inspire writers with new ideas to present to their readers. Data is really at the core of making what we present factual and encourages the reader/viewer to trust us and take us seriously -- which I personally know is what I'm hoping for when I present something to someone.

Here are some powerful links with videos and information that helped me understand how important data is in our world and why ALL people need it:

• The Age of Insight: Telling Stories with Data
• Powering insightful storytelling with Google data
• Google My Maps: Show where stories happen

Google is definitely a powerful tool that anyone can use with a little training. I was able to create an online survey using Google Forms (see last week's blog for more details about this process), take that data and pretty easily plug it into a Google map that can be shared with others. See the final result above of my map of favorite Vermont Tourist Destinations. It is an interactive map - click on the pins to see details about each destination!

I did a basic map without layers. I had a hard time creating another layer with the limited time-frame that I had. But I did attempt to do another layer of places to avoid in Vermont. The problem I had was that I had asked multiple questions on the same survey that I wanted to break up to use as layers on the map. It appears that I would have to do a separate survey for the data I would want to use in another layer of this map, if I wanted it to be "live" (update automatically as more people completed the survey). So, I'd have to do one survey of places people love, and another survey for places people don't like, which is what I would do next time. OR, I could create a spreadsheet from scratch and use that data on my map - but, it wouldn't be live and update automatically.

Here's some more links to additional info about forms, charts and maps 

• Google forms
• Making Live Charts
• Google Maps: How can I easily build a custom map for my website?
• Introduction to Google MyMaps

For even more advanced data visualization options, check out these links! Again, these options can make your visualizations "live" so they update automatically and stay current, which is very cool and cuts down on maintenance big time.

• Data Visualization: Fusion Tables
• About Fusion Tables
• Google Public Data Directory

I enjoyed doing this work this week. I will continue to play around with data visualization and use Google Forms and My Maps as tools to share data with others. For example, if I am working with my makeup clients and want to find out where their favorite places to shop for makeup is, I could do a survey and then share that map so we can all explore new options for makeup shopping! The ideas for how to use data maps is really endless! 

Data Visualization

Creativity Tools & Productivity Tools Combined

Data Visualization is an important part of our ever-changing, technical world. As Hans Rosling's son, Ola, stated in the TedTalk How Not to Be Ignorant About the World, "people love shortcuts." In other words, as professionals, activists, students and teachers, we need to learn to present data in a way that is not only engaging, but simple and straightforward. We don't have time to waste in this vast world of information! I know for myself, when I want to learn something new, I look for the quickest and most simple way of getting that information. So, how do we do that in the most effective way?

















The first part of creating data visuals is collecting the data. In the past, I have used SurveyMonkey to accomplish this. This week I tried out Google Forms to collect data, which was comparable for basic data collection needs. Here's my survey for women about how they feel about their makeup and their makeup application skills.

 
Now, if I was Hans Rosling, my data visualization from this survey might be as amazing as this:



This may have been created in a program similar to AnimaGraffs. At this time, I don't have the proper skills, tools or the time... or the data... to create something so fantastic. But, here's what I came up with using a very simple program - Google Slides!




Garr Reynolds discusses How to Present Data, highlighting the following criteria:

• Simple Design
• Basic Facts
• Use images
• Limit words

Here's some examples of what are considered Good Infographics. I found a lot of these to be too large on my screen, maybe if I looked at them on a phone, it wouldn't be so overwhelming.

There are lots of programs to create infographics with. You could make them from scratch in a program like Photoshop or PowerPoint. Or, you could use an online program that has lots of customizable templates to choose from. I would've preferred to use one of these programs, but after trying a few of them and not easily being able to make the adjustments that I watned to, I moved on to a simpler platform - Google Slides. But, given more time, I would love to get to know some of these programs better:

• Visually
• Dipity
• Easelly
• Infogram
• Piktochart

Before even getting started, it is important to think about WHY you are creating your infographic. In this article - 3 WAYS TO DESIGN AN INFOGRAPHIC THAT STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD - they suggest using the "FIRED" method, which I found very helpful!

Fresh – How will your design stand out from the crowd?

Informative – Are you presenting accurate and intriguing facts?

Relevant – Does your information tell a harmonious story?

Entertaining – Is the viewer drawn in and excited to be a part of your story?

Different – Is your infographic new? Has it been done before?

I will consider these things in everything I am involved in, going forward - from my community service, to my career, to my studies. It is so important to present yourself and your ideas in an interactive, engaging, simple, and visually attractive way -- and there's plenty of online tools to help me achieve this! 

All About That Prezi

This week I got to learn all about Prezi - The innovative presentation tool that not only helps you create presentations but really helps you map out your own ideas so that they make sense! My son has been using Prezi for years in school and I am really trying hard to keep up with his technical knowledge. So, I'm excited that I finally got to catch up to him. 

Here's what you need to do

Get informed!

• Watch: Getting Started with Prezi 
• Also, visit Prezi's own support page with many tutorials to choose from! 
• Here's a video about how to add sound to a Prezi. Remember, there are many places online to get free music. Here's a few:
• YouTube Audio Library (This is where I got the music for my first Prezi)
• Free Music Archive
• Archive.org Audio

• And, here's another about creating charts in Prezi (This tool would've been so helpful in my last job where I had to do data analysis and write reports and presentations for my boss! Darn!)

• Read: Support Articles & Knowledge Base
• Explore some examples

Next, create a Prezi account

If you are a student with an college email, you can create a free Educational Account. If not, there are other limited free options available. 

Now, you can try it out!

A Prezi can be about anything - a project at work, an invention, data analysis, a new idea or concept that you want to present to someone, a timeline of historical events, a research topic, goals, plot for a story, outline for a blog post. This list goes on! It is a tool that is used to educate, inspire, and share ideas. I did mine about Jesus because I've been wanting to streamline some things I've recently been pondering about Him. This was really helpful!

Keep in mind the design elements that I've already shared in previous blog posts. The idea is that these presentations be simple and easy for someone to understand and retain. No need for unnecessary fillers - less is often more. I found that creating more "frames" helped to keep things looking simple. No need to try to cram a ton of info into one frame. I also used fun, energetic colors to try to keep my audience engaged and excited about the topic. Did it work? Here's my Prezi:

I would say that my biggest challenge in creating this Prezi was "mapping" out my order. I discovered after quite some time how to click on areas to create the map instead of creating a new frame from scratch each time. This project was time consuming, but now that I know how to do it, I will be able to whip one up fairly easily and really wow people with it! I may sign up for one of the pro accounts just to see what's available. This tool quite revolutionary! As a writer and creator, I value tools that help me organize my thoughts in a visually pleasing and productive way. Prezi does just that.

My First Prezi