With data becoming the new cool, there has never been a more important time to make its interpretation as useful as possible. As a self proclaimed chart perfectionist at the agency, nothing concerns me more than the need for endless PowerPoint, when a well thought through design, using key insights can get the point across in a compelling and engaging way in a fraction of the time.
Okay, so my pulse does rise when the new version of Wired gets delivered and I get to admire the simplicity of conveying a global issue on two pages without endless copy…But when I came across the blog by David McCandless it was great to see someone dedicating themselves to the cause in everyday working environments where data is required and interpreted.
As an “independent visual and data journalist” (and proclaimed pie-chart hater; let’s hope he doesn’t mind Venn diagrams) he certainly makes a convincing case with his clever site, Information is Beautiful.
Billion Dollar Gram
The “Billion Dollar Gram” chart. This eye-opener compares billion-dollar budgets—comparisons of, say, the estimated total amount that will be spent on the Iraq war ($3 trillion) and the cost to feed and educate every child on earth ($465 billion). “I’m interested in how designed information can help us understand the world, cut through BS and reveal hidden connections, patterns and stories underneath,” writes McCandless. “Or, failing that, it can just look cool!”
I guess we just all need to take the time to think things through a tad more before we rush to PowerPoint…as Oscar Wilde once said “I’m sorry I wrote you such a long letter; I didn’t have time to write a short one.”
http://www.informationisbeautiful.net/
Author: Matt Scott, DraftFCB
0 Responses to “Taking the time to tell a good story”