Data Storytelling.
A workshop for professionals about how to humanize data.
Data storytelling is how we inform each other's understanding. It blends analytics and persuasion to help realize data's value — from insight to action.
Join to learn how to generate insights and compel others to action. We will focus on data visualization while also exploring lessons from storytelling, writing, maps, and more. Contact us about hosting a workshop or scroll to learn more.
Step beyond basic charts to create impact with information.
Workshop Details
Workshop Details
Our focus is how to inform people with data. There is no emphasis on any specific tools or technology. No laptop or other screen is necessary for this workshop.
This workshop is taught by RJ Andrews. Each participant will receive a complimentary copy of the book Info We Trust and all needed materials.
Whether data-veteran or data-novice, you will gain powerful knowledge for analysis and persuasion. Engineers, professors, designers, managers, analysts, curators, librarians, and many more have benefited from learning about data storytelling.
The content of your data storytelling workshop will be tailored to your needs based on a planning discussion. Together we will determine the right balance in time between topics, teaching, and group discussion. If needed we can also plan time for critique and exploration of your specific data storytelling projects.
Schedule
Each workshop is unique to the audience's needs. The below plan is from a recent fast-paced day in NYC with a team of engineers, designers, and product managers.
8:45am - 9:30am
Welcome and light breakfast
9:30am - 9:45am
Orientation
A multimedia introduction to data storytelling and the day's plan.
9:45am - 10:05am
How we got here
Learn from and be inspired by the pioneers from information graphic history.
10:05am - 10:30am
Building blocks
Consider how audiences think about (and see) time, space, and importance. Understand how to create meaning by analysing familiar chart types.
10:30am - 10:45am
Reading charts
Reinforce with group critique of how basic charts are used in familiar consumer apps.
10:45am - 11:00am
15 minute break
11:00am - 11:15am
Philosophy of information
Distinguish data from information as we think about what it means to inform viewers.
11:15am - 11:45am
Visual analysis
Advanced techniques to help surface what you do not expect to see.
11:45am - 12:00pm
Experience design
Storytelling techniques to engage emotions, focus attention, and promote action.
12:00pm - 12:15pm
Interaction design
How to use interaction for detail, exploration, narrative, and delight.
12:15pm - 12:30pm
Creative workflow
Best practices for inventing new ways of looking at data.
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Lunch discussion
1:30pm - 4:00pm
Design critique
Host team presents information product designs for discussion. Together we probe conceptual frameworks, answer questions about chart implementation, and set a new course toward implementing better data storytelling.
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Product troubleshooting
One-on-one discussion with lead engineer
