Welcome to a solo episode! In this special episode of the podcast, I talk about the recen Tableau Customer conference in San Diego, which drew over 9,000 participants. I reflect on various aspects of the conference, including its diverse sessions that ranged from showcasing new Tableau features and case studies to hands-on workshops and discussions on data visualization beyond Tableau. I was a presenter at TC and presented my work on the Urban Institute’s Do No Harm Project.

My review of the conference focuses just on the positives of the conference—the upcoming features in Tableau, such as allowing Tableau Public users to save work their locally, as well as some thoughts on why I—who is not a huge Tableau user—actually attends the conference. I also discuss a few of the sessions I attended, including hands-on sessions and games in Tableau.

Topics Discussed

• Conference Overview: A recap of the Tableau Conference, highlighting its scale with over 9,000 participants and the variety of sessions that catered to both seasoned data analysts and newcomers to the field.
• Tableau’s New Features. Significant updates to Tableau, including the ability for Tableau Public users to save work locally – a feature that potentially redefines the need for Tableau Desktop licenses. I also talk about the introduction of customizable themes, Google Fonts integration, VIS Extensions, and the leaps in AI and real-time data integration within Tableau.
• Community and Networking: I reflect on the value of the community that Tableau fosters, especially through networking opportunities that are more crucial than ever in the post-pandemic era.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website.

You know Enrico Bertini, right? Writer, teacher, co-host of the Data Stories podcast, Enrico does it all. Now at Northeastern University, I invited Enrico to the show to talk about his research, great Substack newsletter, and for views on the evolving landscape of data visualization on social media. In our discussion, Enrico emphasized the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration at Northeastern University. He has some concerns about the current state of visualization theory and tools and talks about his ideas around “critical data thinking” as a crucial way of thinking about data visualization, highlighting the challenges of data accuracy and interpretation. We also talk about Enrico’s teaching methods to help students improve their data interpretation and data visualization skills. Enrico and I share some of the same feelings about the shifts in social media use in the dataviz community, and how it has led to a loss in diverse intellectual exchanges, underscoring the importance of finding new ways to foster community engagement and creativity, including through writing platforms like Substack and LinkedIn.

Topics Discussed

• The Current State of Visualization Theories and Tools: Enrico critiques the prevalent theories and tools in data visualization, calling for a more systematic and thoughtful approach to both creating and interpreting visual data.
• Challenges of Presenting Accurate Data: Our conversation delves into the difficulties faced in presenting precise and accurate data, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these challenges have impacted the field.
• Impact of Social Media Platform Shifts: A significant focus of our conversation is on the changing landscape of social media platforms, particularly the decline of Twitter as a crucial space for professional exchanges within the data visualization community.
• Reflections Prompted by the Pandemic: Enrico reflects on the pandemic’s role in helping him reevaluate his work and teaching practices, which is a helpful insight into how his creativity has changed and adapted over the last few years.
• The Role of Newsletters in Idea Refinement and Audience Connection: Enrico shares insights into how newsletters have become a pivotal tool for refining ideas and connecting with a diverse audience, including students from various disciplines, fostering a richer, more engaged community.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Innovation: Highlighting the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, especially at Northeastern, this week’s episode showcases how interactions between computer science engineering students and design peers, as well as varied problem-solving approaches from faculty members, can lead to fresh insights and propel the field forward.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website.

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On this week’s episode of the podcast, I speak to author and teacher Nick Desbarats about his new book, Practical Charts: The Essential Guide to Creating Clear, Compelling Charts for Reports and Presentations.  Our conversation covers choosing appropriate chart types, emphasizing simplicity and clarity, and understanding when to use different formats. Nick aims to challenge dogmatic views on charts, such as the use of pie charts, and stresses the importance of catering to the audience’s familiarity with graph types. Our chat also includes insights on transitioning to online teaching during the pandemic, the distinction between clear graphs and dashboards, and the significance of mastering fundamentals in data visualization for beginners and intermediates. If you’re familiar with Stephen Few’s work, you’re also bound to find some behind-the-scenes gems in this week’s episode.

Topics Discussed

• Choosing the Right Chart. Nick kicks off our conversation with an essential primer on selecting the appropriate chart types for different datasets. His focus is on simplicity and clarity, ensuring that the chosen chart communicates the intended message as effectively as possible.
• Challenging Chart Dogmas. Prepare to have your preconceptions challenged as Nick takes on the controversial stance on pie charts and other commonly debated graph types. It’s all about breaking the mold and understanding why certain charts work better for specific audiences.
• Catering to Audience Familiarity. A significant portion of our chat is dedicated to the importance of tailoring chart choices to the audience’s level of comfort and familiarity with different types of graphs. This segment is crucial for anyone looking to maximize the impact of their data presentations.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website.

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In this week’s episode of the PolicyViz Podcast, I interview Rahul Bhargava from Northeastern University on the topic of data physicalization. We discuss the role of community engagement and societal impact in communicating data and including different people and communities. Our conversation touches upon teaching combined majors at Northeastern and expanding data engagement through Rahul’s participatory art methods. We explore the limitations of visual learning and advocate for including diverse voices via data sculptures and embodied experiences.

Topics Discussed

• Inclusivity in Data-Driven Society. The episode opens with a discussion on the necessity of inclusivity in our increasingly data-centric world. Rahul shares his insights into how data physicalization can bridge the gap between complex data and diverse community members.
• Teaching Combined Majors at Northeastern. Rahul gives us a glimpse into Northeastern’s approach to education, emphasizing the value of combined majors that integrate data science with other disciplines.
• Participatory Art Methods in Data Engagement. Rahul describes his use of art tomake data more accessible and engaging. We talk about the potential of data sculptures and embodied experiences to include those who may not be reached through traditional visual data presentations.
• Culturally Sensitive Approaches to Data. We discuss the importance ofunderstanding and respecting cultural differences, particularly when working with youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Community Empowerment through Data. Rahul shares his strategies for adapting data collection and dissemination to empower communities, and his use of everyday materials like craft items to make data physicalization more inclusive.
• Data Literacy and Design Principles. Finally, we discuss on how to build data literacy by employing engaging and thoughtful design principles.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website.

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Amanda Makulec is the current Executive Director of the Data Visualization Society (DVS), and in this week’s episode of the PolicyViz Podcast, we discuss her journey and the DVS’s evolution as it approaches its fifth anniversary. Amanda shares her experience starting as a volunteer all the way to leading the entire organization. With her second term coming to an end, she emphasizes the importance of term limits and her commitment to ensuring the organization’s sustainability by focusing on operational systems, finances, compliance, and community responsiveness.

Topics Discussed

• Leadership and Evolution of DVS. Amanda discusses her path from volunteering to leading DVS and reflects on the importance of term limits and her dedication to the sustainability of the society.
• Community Building and Knowledge Sharing. Amanda discusses DVS’s role as a hub for individuals from different tech backgrounds to share insights and best practices and how DVS seeks to create more meaningful community spaces.
• Data Literacy and Supportive Initiatives. We discuss DVS’s commitment to data literacy and providing a nurturing environment through initiatives like the Outlier conference and the Nightingale magazine.
• Navigating Social Media and Communication Platforms. As I’ve talked about with other recent guests, we talk about decreased engagement on Twitter/X and limited real-time interaction on LinkedIn. We discuss the balance between online space fragmentation, privacy, and psychological safety, as well as DVS’s use of Slack and potential migration to other platforms such as Discord.
• Financial Challenges and Operational Sustainability. We talk about the financial constraints of DVS, including the high costs of Slack, and the importance of allocating the budget wisely to support key community and operations management roles.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website.

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In this week’s episode, I chat with Dietmar Offenhuber about his new book, Autographic Design and the concept of autographic data analysis. Dietmar stresses the significance of recognizing the material origins of data and the influence of extraneous variables. He advocates for a qualitative approach that pays attention to data traces, which can uncover deeper narratives. In our conversation, we explore what is meant by autographic design and urge a wider lens on data to grasp multifaceted problems thoroughly. Additionally, Dietmar’s work underscores the interplay between qualitative and quantitative methods, emphasizing the role of subtlety and conjecture in data interpretation to bring a more nuanced understanding of the stories behind the numbers.

Topics Discussed

• The Material Context of Data Collection. We dive into why understanding where and how data is collected is paramount for accurate analysis. We talk through a number of examples in Dietmar’s work and book.
• The Impact of the Third Variable. We explore how the introduction of a third variable can dramatically shift the interpretation of data and data visualizations. We discuss the importance of being vigilant for these variables to avoid erroneous assumptions.
• Unintentional Digital Traces. Our conversation uncovers the value of unintentional digital traces that we leave behind and how they can be a gold mine for analysts.
• Qualitative Meets Quantitative. We discuss the need for blending qualitative insights with quantitative research and how they can complement each other to provide a fuller picture of analysis.
• The Speculative Nature of Data Analysis. We address the inherently speculative aspect of data analysis, highlighting the fact that, despite the numbers, much of what analysts do involves informed guesswork.
• A Call for Collaboration. The discussion opens the floor for collaborative efforts, emphasizing that the best results often come from pooling knowledge and expertise across different fields.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website.

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In this week’s episode of the podcast, I welcome author, speaker, and professor Alberto Cairo to the show. We discuss his most recent book, The Art of Insight, and our conversation extends to acquiring reliable data and challenges people across the world face in creating useful and accessible data visualizations. We also discuss the current state of social media as it relates to the data visualization community and Alberto contemplates the future landscape for both the community and data-related conferences in a post-pandemic world.

Topics Discussed

• The Quest for Reliable Data: Alberto and I discuss the critical importance of acquiring accurate and reliable data. We talk about the the complexities involved when dealing with cross-country datasets and how cultural and systemic differences can impact data collection and representation.
• The Shifting Platforms of DataViz Communities: Once a thriving hub for sharing insights and innovations, Twitter’s popularity in the dataviz community is on the decline. We explore the implications of this shift and what platforms are emerging as new gathering spots for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
• The Post-Pandemic Outlook: With the world slowly adjusting to the new normal, we consider the future of data-related conferences and community gatherings. How will these events evolve, and what can we expect from virtual and in-person interactions in the coming years?
• Spotlight on Alberto: No conversation about data visualization would be complete without mentioning Alberto’s influential work in the field. We talk about his contributions, including his most recent book, The Art of Insight, and how his teachings have shaped the way we approach data storytelling.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website.

Sponsor: Maryland Institute College of Art

The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) application deadlines for summer and fall are April 22 and August 1. Spots are limited, so start your application now and talk to an enrollment coach by filling out our form at online.mica.edu/dav/.

In this week’s episode, we delve into the pivotal role of visual clarity in scientific research. Join me and Professor of Clinical Epidemiology Maarten Boers as we discuss his new book, Data Visualization for Biomedical Scientists. If you are at all interested in being a better science communicator—and especially if you are interested in publishing your work in academic journals—this episode is for you! We talk about how Maarten’s book extends beyond the world of biomedical science into good table design, small multiples, and how academic publishing needs to get its act in order.

Topics Discussed

• The Necessity of Clear Experimental Procedures: We highlight the significance of understanding every step within an experiment. Our discussion unpacks the ways in which clear, precise procedures facilitate reproducibility and validation of scientific work.
• Deciphering Scientific Terminology: Maarten’s book emphasizes the importance of demystifying complex scientific jargon. We examine strategies for breaking down terminology barriers for both specialist and general audiences.
• Graphical Excellence in Research Communication: We focus on the power of well-titled, labeled, and annotated graphs in conveying research and analysis.
• Impactful Captions and Visual Storytelling: Captions are more than mere descriptions—they’re a gateway to engaging the reader. We explore how to craft active captions that not only inform but also captivate and retain the reader’s attention.
• Challenges in Academic Publishing: We confront the practical challenges researchers often encounter with journals, their design (or lack thereof), and other publishing pitfalls. We talk about how to effectively intervene when production staff mishandle figures and how to work within the constraints of journal page limits.
• Ensuring Accuracy in the Publication Process: Our conversation also touches on the responsibilities of researchers to ensure their findings are presented accurately and effectively, even in the final stages of publication.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website.

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On this week’s episode of the podcast, we dive into the transformative work of Neighborhood Nexus, led by Tommy Pierce. This civic data intermediary is making waves in Georgia by harnessing the power of data to create a lasting social impact. Here are the highlights of our discussion on how Neighborhood Nexus is revolutionizing the nonprofit sector through data-driven strategies:

Topics Discussed

• The Mission of Neighborhood Nexus: We explore the core objectives of the organization, which include addressing inquiries, informing programs, and fostering crucial relationships between data providers and users. The organization’s goal is to enhance the nonprofit sector’s ability to utilize data for effective problem-solving and informed decision-making.
• Data Utilization and Technical Assistance: Discover how Neighborhood Nexus offers support to ensure that data is not just collected but used effectively. This includes advocating for data-informed leadership through comprehensive training and building a community around data expertise.
• Quantitative vs. Qualitative Data: We highlight the organization’s focus on not just numerical data but also qualitative insights. This includes gathering real-time information and community input, recognizing the need to capture the full spectrum of lived experiences.
• Bridging the Gap: Learn about the pivotal role Neighborhood Nexus plays in connecting local and regional governments with nonprofits. The organization helps with strategic planning and addresses the resource challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, emphasizing data and equity.
• Understanding Local Nonprofit Sectors: The episode delves into the challenges of missing data and the importance of marketing insights to serve communities more effectively. We discuss the organization’s collaborative efforts with local journalism for deeper data collection and understanding of community needs.
• Navigating the Political Landscape: The discussion touches upon the political context in Georgia, particularly the urban-rural divide that transcends traditional partisan lines, and how this affects data-driven approaches.
• Capacity Building and Community Engagement: We emphasize the key themes of capacity and community building and the ambition to make data more actionable. This includes website improvements and the development of new tools to engage stakeholders.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website.

Sponsor: Tube Buddy

TubeBuddy is the main tool that I use to manage the backend of my YouTube channel. It has been a huge lifesaver when it comes to time management and properly optimizing my channel. They have tons of free tools you can check out right here!

On this week’s episode of the show, I talk with Nate Braun, author of several Python books, all having to do with sports. Nate shares his journey from having a background in economics to writing books on sports data analysis and visualization using Python. Despite not initially being skilled in coding, Braun was inspired by his work in environmental issues and modeling, leading him to develop fantasy football models and later educational books on coding and data analysis with a focus on various sports. We cover Nate’s data scraping and writing process, as well as the ins and outs of why he likes to work with Python and the various libraries he uses in his work.

Topics Discussed

• Background and Transition: Nate shares his unconventional journey from working on environmental issues to developing a niche in sports data analytics. His inspiration took root during his work on modeling the impact of the BP oil spill.
• Fantasy Football and Education: The pivot to sports began with fantasy football models. The success of these models led Nate to author books designed to educate enthusiasts on coding and data analysis, specifically tailored for those outside the computer science field.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Nate talks about the difficulties he faced entering the competitive fantasy football advice market. With the rise in betting and fantasy sports advertising, he recognizes the potential for educating people on data analysis.
• Sport-by-Sport Learning Curve: Despite not being an expert in all sports, Braun has written instructional books on a range of sports by dedicating time to write and develop new models, leveraging the success and experience gained from his initial football book.
• Data Gathering and Visualization: Our conversation delves into the varying difficulty levels of acquiring and visualizing data across sports and we highlight Nate’s use of the Python Seaborn library.
• Python Over R: Nate expresses his preference for Python due to its versatility in machine learning, data visualization, web scraping, and content creation, favoring it over R.
• Technical Deep-Dive into Web Scraping: We talk about using Python for web scraping, including dealing with JavaScript-heavy websites, and the other tools Nate uses like Beautiful Soup and Selenium.
• Future Plans: A teaser for a potential Python book on Formula One as Braun’s love for sports continues to drive his writing endeavors.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website.

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Happy New Year and welcome back to the PolicyViz Podcast! In this first episode of 2024, I welcome welcome Sheila Pontis and Michael Babwahsingh, authors of the new book Information Design Unbound. They delve into the heart of information design, sharing their experiences in creating a pivotal resource for both students and professionals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the ever-evolving world of design thinking and information conveyance.

Topics Discussed

• Origins of “Information Design Unbound”: Sheila and Michael discuss their drive to pen a comprehensive guide in the field of information design, recognizing the gap in educational resources for this burgeoning discipline.
• Collaborative Challenges: The duo sheds light on the difficulties they faced while integrating varied viewpoints and adhering to publishing constraints and deadlines.
• Educational Resource: With over 400 images and contributions from more than 65 experts, the book is a treasure trove of knowledge, featuring exercises and activities aimed at both new learners and seasoned practitioners.
• Design Education for Non-Designers: The authors emphasize the importance of teaching design and information design to students without a formal background in design, tailoring approaches based      on the students’ areas of study.
• Professional Team Dynamics: An exploration into the various team structures within the field of information design and how they collaborate to address complex issues.
• Evolution of Design Thinking: A shift from creating traditional design artifacts to solving complex systems and wicked problems is discussed, marking the advancement in design methodologies.
• Cultural Sensitivity in Design: The conversation highlights the crucial role of context, audience, and cultural differences when employing icons and other design elements, acknowledging that design solutions are not universally applicable.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website.

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