Checklist for Visualisations
Ensure that each visualisation includes and accurately reflects the
following elements:
The selected graph is the best option for representing this data
All numbers double-checked
Spell check
Headline/title
Correct units of measurement
Description of what the x- and y-axis represent
Y-axis starts at 0 (If not: Is it clearly shown? Does the editor agree?)
Conscious choice of colours (explained on request) Source
Instructions for use (if the graph is interactive)
Context or explanation (if necessary)
Byline
Accessibility (contrast, caption for screen readers, attached table etc)
(explained on request)
Understandable for someone who sees the visualization for the first time
(show it to someone outside the newsroom)
The visualisation checked on a mobile device
- Chart Line Datawrapper
I believe that the hot pink colour draws in the reader. As well as filling in the gray area under the line accentuated the trend. By adding values and dots to the line, it's easier to choose one specific number which one is interested in. Creating titles for the X and Y axis was not possible in Datawrapper, however, by adding text annotations and notes I could create my own titles.
2. Column Chart Datawrapper
I chose to do a column chart of the top five leading nations in number of reactors world wide. I wanted to do them in different colors (but in the same type of color scheme, gradually dropping in shade as amount of reactors drop, to make a clear distinction between each country).I chose slightly more darker or 'popping' colors for the top three countries (US, France and China). To specify how one should read the graph I added 'number of reactors' on the Y-axis and 'countries' on the X-axis.
3. Evaluation
Have you followed the checklist for visualisations (every step)? Yes I have!
Colours: How easy or difficult is changing colours using the tool? I think it was quite straightforward in Datawrapper.
Text/Labels: How easy or difficult is it to work with text and labels in the tool? I wish that datawrapper would have a tool to add information on the x and y axis, however, other than that it was quite straightforward.
Flexibility: How flexible are the tools? Can you make the changes you need? I believe Datawrapper is quite flexible, for basic. However, Flourish has more options to make your graphs.
Accessibility: What are the different accessibility options provided by the tools? Datawrapper gives the option of adding filters and tools for visually impaired persons (and many versions of them, even rare ones).
Smartphone: How do the charts appear on your smartphone? Have you faced any issues while accessing them? No issues!
Assignment 2
- Chart Line Flourish
I made similar choices with this graph as I did with my previous one in Datawrapper. Use the dotted lines for it to be easier to track each year. I also used a red colour (similar to the hot pink one) to make the graph pop. To be super clear, I did add titles for the y- and x-axis. Even though the title and subtitle should be clear enough to show the reader what they are looking at, I don't think it hurts to be extra clear. I have chosen not to add any arrows, points or anything in the graph, as I believe that can make the graphs look messy and make the reader only focus on one point (for which you have to motivate your choices).
2. Column Chart Datawrapper
I tried doing this similar to the one in datawrapper. I think the colours here kind of give the same effect, that the less reactors, the less potent of a colour. However, I found it a bit harder to customise the columns in Flourish, but at last found my way. I added information on the y- and x-axis. To specify further, I added a 'legend' to be super clear about which colour is which country and as well as I added information about how to read each specific countries number's as this is an interactive visualisation. Further, I sorted them by highest to lowest amount, which in itself is quite intuitive.
3. Evaluation
- Have you followed the checklist for visualizations (every step)? Yes I have followed every step.
- Colours: How easy or difficult is changing colours using the tool? In Flourish, it was actually a bit harder doing this. It was not as straightforward and intuitive as datawrapper in choosing the colours.
- Text/Labels: How easy or difficult is it to work with text and labels in the tool? In general, I prefer Datawrapper's tools. It was much more unclear to find certain instruments in Flourish. Also, for example, when one writes a text and leaves the page for a second, everything disappears, which I find quite annoying.
- Flexibility: How flexible are the tools? Can you make the changes you need? I would actually be clearer about how to do certain stuff when clicking on the question marks in Flourish, now they just show definitions.
- Accessibility: What are the different accessibility options provided by the tools? I would say Datawrapper offers more accessibility in terms of colorblindess and what not.
- Smartphone: How do the charts appear on your smartphone? Have you faced any issues while accessing them? Looks fine to me, the size shrinks a bit (as it should).
Assignment 3
In what context do you think Datawrapper is the best tool, and why? When would you not use it? Overall I would say Datawrapper is perfect to make simple graphs (such as these). If you want something quick for an article on quite a non-complex dilemma, this would be it.
What are the main benefits of using Datawrapper? Super easy and straightforward to use.
In what context do you think Flourish is the best tool, and why? When would you not use it? For fancier looking graphs, for longer and more complicated story and data. I would really like to master Flourish, as I think you can do way more professional looking graphs on the platform.
What are the main benefits of using Flourish? More freedom to be creative and as well as more choices for more in-depth graphs. Way better for stories one has longer time to do.
Which of the tools do you personally prefer so far? So far, Datawrapper is my preferred one, but mainly because I am not as comfortable with Flourish yet. I want to learn more about it!