Data storytelling
Combines charts, text and sequence to tell a story with data, deciding how much the author guides and how much the reader explores.
What problem it addresses
A chart only shows data; without guidance, the reader doesn't know what to look at or what it means.
Principles
Author-driven
Fixed order and a clear message.
Reader-driven
Freedom to explore.
Martini glass
First a guided story; then, freedom to explore.
Applications in design
Use it like this
Start with a question or a finding and let people explore afterward.
Avoid
Hiding the main message among filters and options.
Don’t fall for it
A data story can also mislead: don't pick only the data that suits you.
Connections
Related to
Authors and works
- 2010
Edward Segel and Jeffrey Heer
Analyzed 58 narrative visualizations and described seven genres and how they share control between author and reader.
Sources
Original sources
- Segel, E., & Heer, J. (2010). Narrative visualization: Telling stories with data. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 16(6), 1139–1148. View source: Segel, E., & Heer, J. (2010)
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