Assignment 1
A)
- 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 visualization checked on a mobile device
My choices
I designed the graph in the way it is because I believe it is clear, and quickly shows some quick insights that could be relevant to the reader. Some annotations show some information at a glance that otherwise might have been 'difficult' to see quickly. The color of the line is clear, and fits the theme of nuclear energy. Vertical lines are added to ease looking for a specific value corresponding to a certain year. I think the heading is clear and covers the content well. The x- and y-axes do not have a description describing what the numbers entail but it is clear from the title.
B)
My choices
For this bar chart I used 10 countries with the highest net capacity. For this I imagined the article maybe comparing big nuclear energy users, and where they are located. For this, I created the bars in three different colors representing the different continents they are located in. While I think this is a good way to show this, there are some problems with this. It is not possible to double color one column in datawrapper, which made it debatable wether Russia should be red or green. Datawrapper also doesnt allow (as far as I understood) to create a custom legend, which would have been great to show what the different colors mean. Now, I used the annotation tool to highlight the meaning of these colors. I further decided to include the number of each country in the graph, so the user doesn't need to hover over it. This to increase clarity and make understanding it easier.
C)
Smartphone: How do the charts appear on your smartphone? Have you faced any issues while accessing them?
The charts appear on smartphones just fine. The only 'issue' I faced was with one annotation that explained the y-axis of the second graph. Because it jumped around on the phone so much, I decided to delete it and assume it is legible regardless. For the color explanations of the second graph, it becomes a bit more difficult to understand when accessing the graph from the phone but unfortunately I think this is unavoidable as the axis description seems to be missing in this application.
Have you followed the checklist for visualizations (every step)?
Yes, for both graphs I used the checklist. Doing this I discovered that for some colorblind the second graph was difficult to understand due to some colors being too similar, then I changed it so it was better distinguishable.
Colours: How easy or difficult is changing colours using the tool?
I found it quite easy. But as said before, having one column two colors at the same time (representing Russia which is in two continents seemed to be impossible.)
Text/Labels: How easy or difficult is it to work with text and labels in the tool?
I find the text and label functions in the tool a bit limited, as I said before, it is impossible to add a description to the axes. The flexibility with annotations could also be better. For example, it is difficult to choose exactly where and how an arrow from text to line/bar goes. Instead the program sort of decides for you.
Flexibility: How flexible are the tools? Can you make the changes you need?
I think Datawrapper is easy to use, but not super flexible. There are quite some instances where I have an idea on how to do something, which then turns out to be impossible, and I have to work around.
Accessibility: What are the different accessibility options provided by the tools?
The function to see what certain colorblind see is very useful in helping to understand which colors would work, and which are too similar to be used. Also the text to audio function is great to be included, allowing me as a creator to highlight for visually impaired people what is the most important about the graph.
Assignment 2
A)
My choices
I tried to make this graph similar to the one created in Datawrapper. It is also clear, and here it is possible to include labels for the axes, which is great. Unfortunetly it is impossible for this type of chart to include 'floating' annotations. Instead I had to insert a line in the year in which Fukusihima happened.
B)
My choices
I wanted to be able to filter on continent, and Flourish allowed me to do this, which is great. The only downside is that the size of the chart itself is a bit more compact now, I see it as a trade-off for some interactivity. Maybe for a graph this size the filter is slightly redundant but I imagine the full dataset in this graph, where a selection menu would work great. Apart from that, I think the chart is clear and includes all the important elements.
C)
Have you followed the checklist for visualizations (every step)?
Yes, I made sure the numbers and spelling is correct in both graphs. I also included a description for visually impaired people to understand the graph still.
Colours: How easy or difficult is changing colours using the tool?
I think this tool allows for more freedom in using colors than the Datawrapper. The learning curve is a bit bigger, but once understood allows for great use of colors.
Text/Labels: How easy or difficult is it to work with text and labels in the tool?
I find it difficult to add floating labels like in datawrapper, as you can see in the difference between the two programs. But it is visually more pleasing with the possible area's one can mark.
Flexibility: How flexible are the tools? Can you make the changes you need?
Compared to Datawrapper, very flexible. It allows for many changes to be made, and interactivity to be added. I really like that, but it sometimes takes a google search before understanding how it exactly works or can be achieved.
Accessibility: What are the different accessibility options provided by the tools?
No colorblind test like in Datawrapper, but it allows for describing the graph for visually impaired people.
Smartphone: How do the charts appear on your smartphone? Have you faced any issues while accessing them?
The heading for the USA and France seem to overlap on the preview on my phone. Apart from that it seems to adapt great to phone useage.
Assignment 3
In what context do you think Datawrapper is the best tool, and why? When would you not use it?
I think Datawrapper is great for quick, simple visualizations that require little to no interactions. I would use it for these purposes. On top of that, the function to add annotations freely anywhere is great and allows to highlight specific aspects of the (line)graph easily.
What are the main benefits of using Datawrapper?
The simplicity, being able to add annotations anywhere.
In what context do you think Flourish is the best tool, and why? When would you not use it?
Flourish seems to be great at making more interactive visualizations that are more visually pleasing.
What are the main benefits of using Flourish?
The freedom the program offers, the interactivity that it allows for.
Which of the tools do you personally prefer so far?
I am split, the ease of Datawrapper is really great, but I would like to get better at understanding Flourish because it allows for so many more functions and adaptations to graphs and maps.