simple data visualizations Tech Fest 2014

why bother? long history of using pictures to show significance of numbers increasingly “visual” society visual data can be interpreted and consumed quickly using open-source, social tools, data can be shared easily

in the classroom … particularly useful for classes where students do not have “data” backgrounds encourages exploration of different data visuals (from bar charts to tree maps)

three examples many eyes tableau public dipity

many eyes PROS:  Easy to use  Easy to distribute  Social, web-based visualization  Can “show” evidence by including data’s URL CONS:  Currently in (continued) development stage

tableau public PROS:  More sophisticated visualization  More options on the customization of each project  Can embed in website, blog or share socially CONS:  Can be more time consuming to use (depends on the data set)  Though free, need to download software

dipity PROS:  Very interactive timeline  Easy to share socially CONS:  Requires an investment of time