During this semester, one of the hardest things for me to master was finding individual stories in large datasets. At first, I was overwhelmed by endless columns and rows of numbers. Learning how to use pivot tables in Google Sheets and create quick charts in Tableau was a weeks-long process, but once I got the hang of it I found it much easier to find stories. Also, I was originally nervous to use data in combination with my other graphic design skills. By the end of the course, I am now comfortable with visually crafting charts and tables to create a more understandable story.

This is one of the first data visualizations I created in Tableau. If this were to be used as a graphic in an article about clean drinking water (for example purposes!), I would definitely craft it more and add more emphasis to Eritrea. Right now, there is not a clear takeaway message because I was not yet comfortable working with data to tell a story.

This is one of the first data visualizations I created in Tableau. If this were to be used as a graphic in an article about clean drinking water (for example purposes!), I would definitely craft it more and add more emphasis to Eritrea. Right now, there is not a clear takeaway message because I was not yet comfortable working with data to tell a story.

In one of my later projects from this semester, it is clear that I learned the importance of hierarchy. Without the big red and green numbers, the story about Papua New Guinea's lacking gender equality and family planning information would be unclear. Here is a link to the interactive version of this dashboard.

In one of my later projects from this semester, it is clear that I learned the importance of hierarchy. Without the big red and green numbers, the story about Papua New Guinea's lacking gender equality and family planning information would be unclear. Here is a link to the interactive version of this dashboard.

I have also found that in general, my data visualizations have become a lot more human-centered. In my beginning work, I was focused on pulling out numbers without really connecting them to a larger story. I have grown in my understanding of when to appropriately use certain charts, and also when it is useful to create an interactive dashboard instead of a physical printed piece.

Here is another early data viz I created. While I did annotate the righthand section to explain what it means, the story is again not clear at a glance. Without more context, it is hard to understand what this shows overall. Also, the bottom axis is not clearly labeled.

Here is another early data viz I created. While I did annotate the righthand section to explain what it means, the story is again not clear at a glance. Without more context, it is hard to understand what this shows overall. Also, the bottom axis is not clearly labeled.

This dashboard, though not fully crafted, shows a much clearer story. There is a subheading to introduce the topic, and color emphasizes the fistula countries on each visualization. Here is a link to the interactive version.

This dashboard, though not fully crafted, shows a much clearer story. There is a subheading to introduce the topic, and color emphasizes the fistula countries on each visualization. Here is a link to the interactive version.

Next: Best Work