1. Interactive visualization of statistical information OECD / ISTAT Seminar on Dynamic Graphics for Presenting Statistical Indicators Rome, 5 – 6 March 2007 Hans-Joachim Mittag University of Hagen, Germany joachim.mittag@fernuni-hagen.de www.fernuni-hagen.de/jmittag/en

2. Interactive visualization of statistical information 1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics” 2. Applications to official statistics Dynamic data presentation Interactive publication 3. Outlook Combining data and interactive maps Virtual libraries for the public

3. 1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics”  E-learning project for statistics education funded by the German government (until 2004)  Consortium of 10 German universities  Covers all topics of an introductory statistics course  Goal: Improving the quality of statistics education → www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics

4. 1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics” Development of e-learning modules for statistics education (mainly for use at universities) Pillars of the e-modules: Statistical Lab: ad-hoc analyses of user- defined data sets Animations (Flash): explanation of statistical theory Case studies: “Real” life problems / data sets from different sciences Interactive experiments and simulations (Java): “trying out” statistical methods → www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics Java applets: link “Library..“ Publications: link „Project-related..“

5. 1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics” Examples (interactive visualization of statistical theory) Virtual coin experiment: “Playing“ with distribution parameters: → Illustration

6. 2. Applications to official statistics Transfer: Educational world → Official statistics Statistics education: Interactive experiments / simulations (user-controlled exploration of statistical methods) Official statistics: Interactive visualization of data / indicators (user-controlled exploration of data sets) →

7. Examples (interactive visualization of data sets): Unemployment rates in Europe European e-Business Index 2. Applications to official statistics

8. Examples (interactive visualization of data sets): Capital-city regions Gross earnings in Europe 2. Applications to official statistics → Illustration

9. 2. Applications to official statistics Design principles for interactive data visualization  Design as self-contained mini learning worlds Example: Start with graphical data presentation but do not hide numerical information and meta data  Support user-controlled data exploration Example: Provision of different graphical instruments enabling the user to discover key information behind the data  Avoid information overload and superficial show effects Examples: not too many graphs simultaneously, cautious use of colours, no blinking data points

10. 2. Applications to official statistics Why Java-based?  Usually no “plug-in” needed  Standardized programming, use of class libraries  Platform independence, online and offline use possible  Almost unlimited technical possibilities: animation (dynamic pyramids), inclusion of interactive maps combination with content based on other platforms (Flash, SVG), database connection

11. 2. Applications to official statistics Stand-alone use of Java applets: Online: Via Web sites of statistical offices http://forum.europa.eu.int/irc/dsis/wages/info/data/index.htm Offline: Dynamic PowerPoint presentation (press conferences) CD-ROMs / DVDs complementing printed publications Example: Eurostat Yearbook on Regions 2003

12. 2. Applications to official statistics Use of Java applets as part of Web publications: Added value of interactivity

13. 2. Applications to official statistics Use of Java applets as part of Web publications (cont.): http://forum.europa.eu.int/irc/dsis/wages/info/data/interactive.htm → Illustration

14. 3. Outlook The approach presented is only a starting point for further development and refinement, preferably with experienced partners. Next steps: Interface “large database – Java applets” (automatic updating) Integration of export and print functionalities Combination of Java and SVG developments Animation of Java applets as long as animation contributes to a better understanding of the data Virtual libraries containing elements for data visualization (in particular: “eye-catcher” based on international data)

15. 3. Outlook Virtual libraries containing elements for interactive data visualization sharing between different content providers (national / supranational statistical offices, educational institutions); use for statistical training “Eye-catcher” based on international data Examples: Interactive graphs for key indicators Dynamic maps + information on indicators Animated presentation of indicators over time Interactive online publications for the public

16. Web links: http://www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics → Path “Library.. / Official statistics” http://forum.europa.eu.int/Public/irc/dsis/wages/information → Link “Interactive visualization of statistical information” → Link “Interactive publications” Cooperation partners wanted !