Visualising and Communicating Data

All Tools for Action

Visualising and Communicating Data

Photo credit: UN Global Pulse

We need to work together in order to face global challenges and to push for sustainable health. Effective and clear data communication and visualisation are some of the most important ways to make knowledge accessible and understandable to others.

Data visualisation is used in one way or another in most sectors, from teachers, builders, and researchers, and is usually done using maps, graphs, charts, tables etc. to show patterns, trends, outliers etc. in data sets. Data Visualisation and Communication means the graphical representation of data as well as the oral and/or written presentation of it. In other words, the translation of information into a visual context that makes it more accessible and easier to understand for a broader public. Communication strategies for delivering the data refers to the techniques and methods used to facilitate understanding and inspire engagement and action on a certain topic, issue, or research finding.

No matter how fascinating the findings may be, most of us get bored by monotonous and long public talks with an overly packed PowerPoint presentation. Rather an energetic speaker with a passion for the cause, a good understanding of the audience and the atmosphere in the room, using relatable examples packaged in simple but effective slides or infographics , videos or dashboards can produce standing ovations and inspire to the core. Global public health and statistics guru Hans Rosling, for example, was an expert at this and managed to inspire on mass with his 2013 TED talk where he was “debunking myths about the so-called developing world”. Even if you’ve seen it multiple times already, it’s worth another look to get inspiration on truly effective communication and visualisation of meaningful data!

It’s not always easy to know where to start and how to think about the various aspects of data visualisation and communication. Herein, a visualising and communicating data toolkit is presented to facilitate this journey. It is made up of a set of guidelines, examples and a combination of recommendations when looking to leverage modern data communication techniques/approaches to increase understanding and make your own and others’ research findings and implications more useful and relatable to aid sustainable health. This tool will help you to critically think about your audiences, the packaging of your findings, desired outcomes of your communication efforts, and more, which are key for solution uptake.

The Toolkit

The “Visualising and Communicating Data” toolkit is presented here as a three-step process. Each step contains a set of tips and referred list of methods/tools on Data Visualisation (DV). The steps are: Step 1) Visualise, Step 2) Package, and Step 3) Communicate: Present & follow-up

The StepsVisualise1Visualise12Package2Package33

The Basics

Before picking any data visualisation or communication tools, it is important to think critically about how you intend to unveil/present your findings to derive impact. For example, you need to have a goal and purpose, think about your audience, and identify the key findings to be highlighted. This is then followed by developing a workflow that includes data visualisation and communication. Guidance on these can be found in this toolbox.

Toolbox: The Basics (click to go to tools)

  • Basic Data Visualisation and Communication terms
  • Checklist: Key points to consider
  • Tips: How to include DV in the research project life cycle
  • Tool References: Packaging options to intuitively share findings

Visualise

There are different ways and tools for visualising data. At this point, we assume you have thought about what you want to communicate and with whom. Plus, the different options available to you to intuitively share findings. We then suggest you to check out different type of charts/maps, and tryout couple of them in order to select one which communicates the data best.

We have also gathered a list of chart/visual drawing tools for your reference, and some vital elements of data visualizations and information graphics that one should put into consideration. When picking a tool, it is crucial to consider its visualization capabilities, the skills requirements – easy to learn, inexpensive cost compared to other options – free or affordable, the community of people using the tools and developer support, and potential to handle big data.

Source: datavizproject.com

An animated chart with Python and Image Magick.
Source: www.python-graph-gallery.com/animation/

Toolbox1 : Visualise (click to go to tools)

  • Tool References: Chart chooser resources
  • Tool References: 10 tools for DV creation
  • Tool References: Map visualisation resources
  • Tool References: Chart post-processing
  • Tool References: Vital elements of data visualisations and information graphics
  • Tool References: Software for dynamic visuals

Package

At this point, we assume you developed visualisations suitable for your data and generated narratives to elaborate the visualisations. The information captured in the visuals is now ready to be packaged into findings.

To package your findings, exploring dashboards such as fact sheets and data storytelling can be useful tools. A fact sheet is a visual report highlighting key findings, created using basic or graphical software, or online platforms. Data storytelling, is a narrative approach that draws attention to meaningful data patterns and can be presented in various forms and be self-explanatory. For more tips, visit the toolbox section below.

Example of fact sheets.
Source: Institute for Public Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Source: public.tableau.com/app/discover

Toolbox 2: Package (click to go to tools)

  • Tool References: Narrative options with tool highlights

Communicate: present and follow-up

Once your findings are packaged, you are ready to begin sharing your findings with your audience.

Producing well designed communication products is only one part in the puzzle of increasing the use of research evidence by decision and policy makers. There is need to look at other parts including facilitating interactions between researchers and policy-makers to foster relationships that increase chances of greater use of research findings and evidence in policy-making.

We highly recommend to first, review this checklist (for Communicating Science and Health Research to the Public) to ensure your communication product meets the criteria described therein. Then, here are general best practices to present information that we shortlisted in 5 bullet points.

Toolbox 3: Communicate (click to go to tools)

  • Checklist: Communicating science and health research to the public
  • General best practices: Presenting information

Want to know more?

There are many other recommended literature as references when you are digitalising the data. We have compiled a deep dive for you who like to read up more on the link below.


DOWNLOAD FULL LIST OF REFERENCES

We wish you the best of luck digitalising your information and data!


Operated by Karolinska Institutet in Sweden
and Makerere University in Uganda