Introduction
The spark of accumulated massive collections of data excels a quick and effective way to communicate abstract information in a manageable manner using data visualisation (Reas, McWilliams & Barendse, 2010, p.119). In his TED Talk, Koblin argues that “An interface can be a powerful narrative device by which, we are able to enhance our understanding of critical issue, maintain the humanity and tell stories” (Koblin, 2011). Van Geenen & Wieringa (2020, p.142) support this claim by taking the approach of data visualisation as interfaces, which present data as an image. The increasing calibre of storytelling data interactive tools sprawl, and this can be seen clearly in conjunction with advances in new digital technologies.
| Figure 1 Flight Patterns Note: Flight Patterns, an experimental project showing time series of flight traffic. Flight Patterns. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aaronkoblin.com/work/flightpatterns/index.html | Figure 2 Mapping Arms Data 1 Note: Mapping Arms Data, the trade in small arms and their ammunition 1992 – 2014 is an interactive visualisation. Mapping Arms Data (MDA). (2013). Retrieved from https://nisatapps.prio.org/armsglobe/index.php |
Thus, ‘The Global Arms Trade’, ‘Demystifying Data’ and ‘MAD’ interfaces facilitate the mediation between the data and audience (Van Geenen & Wieringa, 2020, p.142), allowing an accurate, truthful visual display. Consequently, transforming data into an interactive experience emerges designers, artists and researchers, to visualise complex data through collaborative work, enhancing an understanding of environmental, political, and social issues (Hohl, 2011).
Conceptualising and Transforming Data
Presenting information as an image encapsulates cognitive and emotional understanding. Stuart K. Card (as cited in Reas, McWilliams & Barendse, 2010 p.121) states that arranging our thoughts makes us focus upon clear ideas and understand by ‘seeing’. To convey this, a designer utilises the data distinguished, by using a set of various design elements such as colour, texture, and shape in an aesthetic visual display. This technique conceptualises the data, allowing us to wire visual things to our brain and perceive information seamlessly (Reas, McWilliams & Barendse, 2010 p.121).
Essential to this process is the use of effective interfaces, by which designers are able to integrate aesthetics subjectivity, emphasising meaning, emotion, thus clearing the ambiguity of complex data. Furthermore, it stimulates imagination to reflect and construct a meaningful experience that tackles critical issues (Hohl, 2011).
| Figure 3 DNA Visualisation 1 Note: Discover the DNA of Good Government is an interactive visualisation. Launched in 2019 to investigate the governments behaviour on their countries. DNA. (2019). Retrieved from https://govdna.sudox.nl/#layout/dna/country/ECU/x/32/y/5/z/8/a/0 | Figure 4 Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool 1 Note: Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool, showing the change of statistics based on countries. Metrics represented in primaries and black. Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ttdatavis.onthinktanks.org/2014-15-competition-entries/demystifying-data-a-visualization-based-on-the-ippfguttmacher-report |
Consequently, transforming big data and the use of interfaces provides a powerful visual tool to diagnose problems, predict successes, and measure data flow that improves productivity (Pentland, 2013). Koblin argues that “Our life is being driven by data, and the presentation of the data is an opportunity for us to make some amazing interfaces” (Koblin, 2011). Pentland (2013) supports this claim, as we have the potential of a data-driven society, we can make informed decisions and encourage creativity.
Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool
People are suspicious about statistics, due to the way of collecting, communicating, and visualising the data (Chalabi, 2017). To those who are not researchers, data and statistics can seem intimidating and hard to comprehend (Anderson, Panchaud, Sigh & Watson, 2014, p. 6). Therefore, demystifying the data (Anderson, Panchaud, Sigh & Watson, 2014, p. 6), by making it more transparent and comprehensible has become the designer’s responsibility. Central to visualise and communicate truthful data, is creating dynamic and effective data graphics (Tufte, 1983, p. 53). The interface ‘Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool’ created by Tia Jeewa supports that claim and, based on the IPPF / Guttmacher report to address challenges of youth sexual health and their need for educative sexual programs, factual data is collected, transformed, and effectively visualised (Anderson, Panchaud, Sigh & Watson, 2014, pp. 9 – 11).
Reas, McWilliams & Barendse (2010 p. 119) draw connection between visual clarity, abstract information, communication, and the use of influential interfaces. This applies successfully, as the “Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool” is using the interactive ‘metrics menu’ to compare survey data, representing measures from 30 countries. The ‘sort of menu’ engages girls and women to access the proper channels for consultation, allowing them to order the current data bars, by country name values, or region. The ‘submatrix option’ based on recent survey results, compare differences between respondents among groups and areas. From the bottom right they can choose the ‘key conclusions’ that is drawn from the data such as implications for accessing information and medication. This data interface defines the key point of Reas, McWilliams & Barendse (2010, p. 135) “Time series” technique at which, a single frame can compress many instances and events.
| Figure 5 Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool 2 Note: Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool, showing the change of statistics based on countries. Metrics represented in primaries and black. Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ttdatavis.onthinktanks.org/2014-15-competition-entries/demystifying-data-a-visualization-based-on-the-ippfguttmacher-report | Figure 6 Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool 3 Note: Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool, showing the change of Metrics navigation represented in clear pull-down menu. Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ttdatavis.onthinktanks.org/2014-15-competition-entries/demystifying-data-a-visualization-based-on-the-ippfguttmacher-report |
To communicate with the target audience, data bars animate using primaries and black colour, providing optimum data differentiation (Tufte, 1990, p. 86), coding each piece of data on demand (hover or click). Additionally, the dynamic graphic elements (shape and colour) symbolise socio-economic and demographic statistics that reveal the level of engagement of thousands of audiences around the world. Therefore, ‘Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool’ incorporates the approach of data visualisation as interfaces, functioning to mediate between audience and the collected data to advocate for the social good (Van Geenen & Wieringa, 2020, p.142).
Mapping Arms Data – The trade in small arms and their ammunition 1992 – 2014
Designers have a responsibility to tell a truth and adapt a relative approach to a design problem (Grayling & Roberts, 2006). In that context, the interface designer is playing a vital role to define today’s reality – the living data of our global computerisation (Distelmeyer, 2018). According to Murray (2019), the interface communicates emotion of certain events and shares understanding, rather than numbers and facts.
The “Mapping Arms Data” interface conveys that concept, by taking complex data and making it shareable for people to visualise arms trade around the globe (Muggah & Marsh, 2014). In 2012, the interface ‘Mapping Arms Data’ was created by Igarapé Institute and Google Ideas to document transfers of arms, based on the data from United Nations “Small arms Trade & brokering” studies (United Nations, n.d.). The visualisation is targeting an audience from policy leaders and media.
| Figure 7 Mapping Arms Data 2 Note: Mapping Arms Data, the trade in small arms and their ammunition 1992 – 2014 is an interactive visualisation. Labels explain the data to let the user compare between countries. Mapping Arms Data (MDA). (2013). Retrieved from https://nisatapps.prio.org/armsglobe/index.php | Figure 8 Mapping Arms Data 3 Note: Mapping Arms Data, the trade in small arms and their ammunition 1992 – 2014 is an interactive visualisation. Strong use of line weight, shape and size that indicate import and export. Mapping Arms Data (MDA). (2013). Retrieved from https://nisatapps.prio.org/armsglobe/index.php |
Pentland (2013) draws attention to the use of big data as visual patterns, that excels social interaction, providing an insight to critical issues. ‘Mapping Arms Data’ interface supports that concept by simulating a 3D graphic pattern with various line densities, highlighting trafficking of arms, export, and import. Detailed labelling is crucial (Tufte, 1983, p. 77), and implementing clear labels is evident to remove ambiguity and minimise graphical distortion. Utilising Tufte’s principle, ‘Mapping Arms Data’ interface labels important events in the data.
| Figure 9 Mapping Arms Data 4 Note: Mapping Arms Data, the trade in small arms and their ammunition 1992 – 2014 is an interactive visualisation. Powerful colours and clear labels that engage the user to understand data. Mapping Arms Data (MDA). (2013). Retrieved from https://nisatapps.prio.org/armsglobe/index.php | Figure 10 Mapping Arms Data 5 Note: Mapping Arms Data, the trade in small arms and their ammunition 1992 – 2014 is an interactive visualisation. The user can choose the year and compare results. Mapping Arms Data (MDA). (2013). Retrieved from https://nisatapps.prio.org/armsglobe/index.php |
Moreover, its highly intuitive dynamic lines stream to clearly display “data variation, not design variation” (Tufte, 1983, p. 77), of more than 120 countries. This interface employs the key point of Reas, McWilliams & Barendse (2010, p. 139) “Networks” technique at which, it visualises the connection between different nodes. Each data stream connotes a country (variable), providing information of the imported and exported ammunition. Through a timeline seek bar, the user can move a slider to navigate the arms trade statistic between 1994 – 2014. Therefore, ““Mapping Arms Data” incorporates the data interface approach, and mediation between the collected data and audience raises awareness for the social good (Van Geenen & Wieringa, 2020, p.142).
DNA
Design creating interactive interface, has the potential to implement a variety of approaches, aiming to influence the user’s action, assisting to adopt more efficient systems. A vital key in that context is how designers model the user (Lockton, Nicholson, Cain & Harrison, 2014). The interface has become the living model of today’s data, such that, it presents the research results as an image. Chun (as cited in Van Geenen & Wieringa, 2020, p.142) claims that the ‘data interface’ models the user, in which ‘users are not simply the audience, but also the actor’.
| Figure 11 DNA Visualisation 2 Note: Discover the DNA of Good Government is an interactive visualisation. Describing data as statistics for the user to compare results. DNA. (2019). Retrieved from https://govdna.sudox.nl/#layout/dna/country/ECU/x/32/y/5/z/8/a/0 | Figure 12 DNA Visualisation 3 Note: Discover the DNA of Good Government is an interactive visualisation. Showing data as colours, strong use of harmonious colours. DNA. (2019). Retrieved from https://govdna.sudox.nl/#layout/dna/country/ECU/x/32/y/5/z/8/a/0 |
The ‘DNA’ interface supports that claim, by visualising data as patterns which enables us to understand the influence of governments on its countries. Integrating design elements, arts, and social science creates an emotional and aesthetic approach (Hohl, 2011). This interface employs the key point of Reas, McWilliams & Barendse (2010, p. 139) “Networks” technique at which, it allows users to compare data, and visualises the connection between different models.
| Figure 13 DNA Visualisation 4 Note: Discover the DNA of Good Government is an interactive visualisation. Data is labelled and colour differentiates information. DNA. (2019). Retrieved from https://govdna.sudox.nl/#layout/dna/country/ECU/x/32/y/5/z/8/a/0 | Figure 14 DNA Visualisation 5 Note: Discover the DNA of Good Government is an interactive visualisation. DNA. (2019). Retrieved from https://govdna.sudox.nl/#layout/dna/country/ECU/x/32/y/5/z/8/a/0 |
Moreover, the data variation is displayed clearly, and important events labelled to clarify any graphical distortion (Tufte, 1983, p. 77). The interface layout triggers an effective visual pattern, simulating countries as a biological ‘DNA’, engaging users to interact with the data to understand issues such as, economic growth and human rights (Pentland, 2013). Using a harmonious colour pallet, ‘DNA visualisation’ interface is reinforcing the user to navigate through complex data and compare multiple variants.
Conclusion
Utilising Koblin’s concept that “Designers are creating interactive interfaces as a powerful narrative device using digital technologies to transform data to enhance our understanding of critical issue, maintain the humanity and tell stories”, ‘The Global Arms Trade’, ‘Demystifying Data’ and ‘MAD’ employ the interface approach to communicate abstract information, transform data, and visualise complex topics in a manageable manner (Reas, McWilliams & Barendse, 2010, pp. 119 – 121). Furthermore, conceptualising data as an image allows mediation between the data and audience (Van Geenen & Wieringa, 2020, p.142), through an accurate and truthful visual display.
To further communicate with their audience, designers have the responsibility to contribute integral visual graphics and design elements and aim to remove any distortion or ambiguity (Tufte, 1983, p. 53). Thus, ‘Data Interfaces’ will continue to spread in conjunction with future advances in new digital technologies. Transforming data into an interactive visual experience will enable further collaborative endeavours for designers to create genuine interfaces (Hohl, 2011), that tell stories and enhance our understanding of environmental, political, and social issues (Koblin, 2011).
Reference List:
Images:
Fig 1. Aaron Koblin (n.d.). Flight Patterns. Aaron Koblin. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from http://www.aaronkoblin.com/work/flightpatterns/index.html
Fig 2. Mapping Arms Data (MAD).(n.d.). Mapping Arms Data 1. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from https://nisatapps.prio.org/armsglobe/index.php
Fig 3. GOVDNA (2019). DNA Visualisation 1. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from https://govdna.sudox.nl/#layout/dna/country/ECU/x/32/y/5/z/8/a/0
Fig 4. ttdatavis. (n.d.). Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool 1. ttdatavis. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from http://www.ttdatavis.onthinktanks.org/2014-15-competition-entries/demystifying-data-a-visualization-based-on-the-ippfguttmacher-report
Fig 5. ttdatavis. (n.d.). Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool 2. Ttdatavis. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from http://www.ttdatavis.onthinktanks.org/2014-15-competition-entries/demystifying-data-a-visualization-based-on-the-ippfguttmacher-report
Fig 6. ttdatavis. (n.d.). Demystifying Data Visualisation Tool 3. Ttdatavis. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from http://www.ttdatavis.onthinktanks.org/2014-15-competition-entries/demystifying-data-a-visualization-based-on-the-ippfguttmacher-report
Fig 7. Mapping Arms Data (MAD).(n.d.). Mapping Arms Data 2. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from https://nisatapps.prio.org/armsglobe/index.php
Fig 8. Mapping Arms Data (MAD).(n.d.). Mapping Arms Data 3. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from https://nisatapps.prio.org/armsglobe/index.php
Fig 9. Mapping Arms Data (MAD).(n.d.). Mapping Arms Data 4. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from https://nisatapps.prio.org/armsglobe/index.php
Fig 10. Mapping Arms Data (MAD).(n.d.). Mapping Arms Data 5. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from https://nisatapps.prio.org/armsglobe/index.php
Fig 11. GOVDNA (2019). DNA Visualisation 2. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from https://govdna.sudox.nl/#layout/dna/country/ECU/x/32/y/5/z/8/a/0
Fig 12. GOVDNA (2019). DNA Visualisation 3. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from https://govdna.sudox.nl/#layout/dna/country/ECU/x/32/y/5/z/8/a/0
Fig 13. GOVDNA (2019). DNA Visualisation 4. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from https://govdna.sudox.nl/#layout/dna/country/ECU/x/32/y/5/z/8/a/0
Fig 14. GOVDNA (2019). DNA Visualisation 5. [Interactive visualisation screenshot] Retrieved from https://govdna.sudox.nl/#layout/dna/country/ECU/x/32/y/5/z/8/a/0
Set readings/viewings:
Chalabi, M. (2017). 3 ways to spot a bad statistic. TED. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/mona_chalabi_3_ways_to_spot_a_bad_statistic?referrer=playlist-making_sense_of_too_much_data&autoplay=true
Grayling, A. C., & Roberts, L. (2006). Good: an introduction to ethics in graphic design. Lausanne, Worthing: AVA Academia. Rederived from https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/9b79dcf3-fb05-4575-a212-4848655a7585/1/1400986.pdf
Hohl, M. (2011). From abstract to actual: art and designer‐like enquiries into data visualisation. Kybernetes, 40(7/8), 1038–1044. doi: 10.1108/03684921111160278. Rederived from https://www.proquest.com/docview/888252638/67376E6CB1FA4E7APQ/2?accountid=14205
Koblin, A. (2011). Visualizing ourselves…with crowd-sourced data [TED Talk]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/aaron_koblin_visualizing_ourselves_with_crowd_sourced_data
Lockton, D., Nicholson, L., Cain, R., & Harrison, D. (2014). Persuasive technology for sustainable workplaces. Interactions, 21(1), 58–61, doi:10.1145/2544170. Rederived from https://dl-acm-org.ezproxy.lib.swin.edu.au/doi/10.1145/2544170
Reas, C., McWilliams, C., & Barendse, J. (2010). Form+code in design, art, and architecture, Princeton Architectural Press. ProQuest Ebook Central. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/reader.action?docID=3387346&ppg=118#.
Tufte, E. (1983). Graphical integrity. Cheshire, Connecticut, US: Graphics Press. Rederived from https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/6a19d948-0d19-480f-852b-94a415c866d3/1/993314098.pdf
Tufte, E. (1990). Color and information. In “Envisioning information” Cheshire, Connecticut, US: Graphics Press. Rederived from https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/c8278bd1-2cfd-4b2c-86ae-250923bbe4c5/1/9780961392116_pp81-96.pdf
Books/book chapters:
Anderson, R., Panchaud, C., Singh, S., & Watson, K. (2013). Demystifying Data: A Guide to Using Evidence to Improve Young People’s Sexual Health and Rights, New York: Guttmacher Institute. Retrieved from https://www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/pubs/demystifying-data.pdf
Van Geenen, D. & Wieringa, M. (2020). Approaching data visualizations as interfaces: An empirical demonstration of how data are imag(in)ed. In M. Engebretsen & H. Kennedy (Eds.), Data Visualization in society (pp 141-156). Amsterdam University Press. Retrieved from https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/22273/9789048543137.pdf?sequence=1.
Scholarly journal articles and online articles:
Distelmeyer, J. (2018). “Drawing Connections – How Interfaces Matter” In: Interface Critique Journal Vol.1. Eds. Florian Hadler, Alice Soiné, Daniel Irrgang. DOI: 10.11588/ic.2018.0.44733.Retrieved from https://interfacecritique.net/journal/volume-1/distelmeyer-drawing-connections/
Murray, E. (2019). How Data Visualisation Support Communication. Forbes.Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/evamurray/2019/01/28/how-data-visualization-supports-communication/?sh=25f2926d2cce
Pentland, A. (2013). The data-driven society. Scientific American, 309(4), 78–83. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1038/scientificamerican1013-78.
Websites:
Koblin, A. (n.d.). Aaron Koblin. aaronkoblin.com. Retrieved from http://www.aaronkoblin.com/
Muggah, R., & Marsh, N. (2014). Mapping Arms Data (MAD). TTDATAVIS. Retrieved from https://www.ttdatavis.onthinktanks.org/2013-14/mapping-arms-data-mad
United Nations. (n.d.). Small arms: Trade & brokering – UNODA. United Nations. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/disarmament/convarms/trade-brokering/
Audiovisual:
BBC. (2010, November 27). Hans Rosling’s 200 Countries, 200 Year, 4 Minutes – The Joy of Stats – BBC Four [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbkSRLYSojo