DATA VISUALIZATION: COMPLEX DATA CONNECTIONS

Laying a lot of complex data out on one slide can easily lead to ambiguity and confusion. Data-driven stories demand clear, empirical questions to make them land, “(1) Where do our students come from and (2) Where are they going,” are two of the questions answered in this data visualization slide. Presenting them together in the same visual space questions correlations and invites audience speculation.

slides from the data design for slide decks presentation
  • CLIENT:

    FSOL

  • PROJECT:

    Inforgraphic Slide: Where do Students Come From & Where are They Going To?

A story told well with supporting evidence and data is a compelling tale. However, complex data connections can be tough to simplify and chart on one slide. Here is an example of one such slide that needed to include charts showing where pre-law students came to law school from and where they went to, by city and industry, following law school graduation.

This type of data visualization shows the complex data connection between four charts simply and easily, allowing the audience to quickly see inferences and draw conclusions.

Data visualization guru Edward Tufte emphasizes the importance of removing “chart junk” from data presentations along with a healthy disregard for the layout eccentricities of presentation software. With this in mind, it helps to think like a designer, introducing the reader to the simplest information first (What state do students come to this school from?)–a simple chart with one big answer (California).

Next, we examine which cities in California they return to after graduation, and expand on that by adding the industries they work in, as well as the size of the law firms they join, providing a thoroughgoing profile of graduates.