| CHECKLIST – 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 |
ASSIGNMENT 1
For this chart, I selected a clean white background to provide a sharp contrast with the bold red coloring, ensuring the graph is both clear and impactful in visualizing the data. To enhance clarity, I simplified the date format by displaying only the years. I also felt the chart would benefit from a text annotation, so I added an arrow to highlight the peak point. The title, subtitle, and notes section were intentionally kept concise and straightforward. For accessibility, I provided a longer alternative description for screen readers, offering a more detailed explanation using the chart's metadata.
For this column chart, I also selected vibrant red colors set against a white background. This combination ensures a clean, visually striking visualization that effectively highlights the data. The color red slowly fades as the number of nuclear reactors per country decreases. To maintain clarity and accessibility, I opted for concise and straightforward titles and accompanying text, making the chart easy to understand at a glance. In the alternative description for screen readers, I made sure all the numbers from the chart were included for full understanding.
- Have you followed the checklist for visualizations (every step)? Yes.
- Colors: How easy or difficult is changing colors using the tool? Very easy.
- Text/Labels: How easy or difficult is it to work with text and labels in the tool? Easy.
- Flexibility: How flexible are the tools? Can you make the changes you need? In the previous two charts I was able to make all the changes I felt they needed. The tools are flexible, easy and fast to understand and use.
- Accessibility: What are the different accessibility options provided by the tools? There is an alternative description for screen readers.
- Smartphone: How do the charts appear on your smartphone? Have you faced any issues while accessing them? I had no issues while accessing them on my phone, they appear the same.
ASSIGNMENT 2
- Have you followed the checklist for visualizations (every step)? Yes.
- Colors: How easy or difficult is changing colors using the tool? Very easy.
- Text/Labels: How easy or difficult is it to work with text and labels in the tool? Very easy.
- Flexibility: How flexible are the tools? Can you make the changes you need? I could make all the changes I wanted.
- Accessibility: What are the different accessibility options provided by the tools? Screenreader description and label.
- Smartphone: How do the charts appear on your smartphone? Have you faced any issues while accessing them? No issues.
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 an incredibly user-friendly tool, it is very well-suited for situations where time is limited. When you need a straightforward yet effective chart to complement your article, Datawrapper is an excellent choice. However, for more complex visualizations or datasets that require advanced customization, there are other tools that might be better suited to meet those needs.
- What are the main benefits of using Datawrapper? It is easy to understand and use, allowing you to quickly create and publish charts with minimal effort. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for producing visualizations efficiently.
- In what context do you think Flourish is the best tool, and why? When would you not use it? Flourish offers far more options than Datawrapper, making it ideal for creating complex and visually appealing charts. For longer articles or when working with intricate datasets, I would definitely invest the extra time and effort into crafting a polished Flourish chart. However, not every situation calls for such detailed visualizations, and time constraints can be a factor. In those cases, I would choose another tool, like Datawrapper.
- What are the main benefits of using Flourish? One of the key benefits of Flourish is the wide range of options it offers. It provides an impressive selection of beautiful templates for charts (and maps), which are easy to use and customize to suit your needs.
- Which of the tools do you personally prefer so far? Overall, I personally prefer Datawrapper. As mentioned before, it’s a reliable and efficient tool for quickly creating clear and straightforward charts.