Storytelling with Data

chapter sevenpractice more with cole

While prior chapters have provided a piecemeal focus on the given lesson, this chapter takes a more comprehensive view of the entire storytelling with data process. Real-world based scenarios and related data visualizations are introduced and paired with specific questions to consider and solve. These are followed by step-by- step illustrations that give full insight into my thought process and design decisions.

I encounter many examples of data communications through our workshops. Clients share their work ahead of time and we use this as the basis of discussion and practice. These cross many topics and industries and there is something to be learned from each and every one. The process of creating data visualization makeovers from select examples to highlight storytelling with data lessons has been key to honing my own and my team’s skills for critiquing, remaking, and sharing and discussing examples. In this section, you’ll get an opportunity to practice just like the storytelling with data team—then you’ll be walked through our solution as if you were a participant in one of our hands-on workshops.

Though the lessons in SWD and here could be taken as step-by-step instruction, my typical approach for moving from data to data story is more holistic, which is how you’ll see it addressed in the forthcoming examples. Rather than go through all parts of the process each time, the various examples are used to highlight different components, ...