Part 1:
A)
Checklist – visualizations
Ensure that each visualization 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 visualization checked on a mobile device
I chose to add the gray under the graph to add a bit more contrast to the white background, I felt it also emphasizes the scale of the increase in reactors. I chose a green color, to stand out. I made each dot visible to signify that there were multiple data point between the x-axis labels, and highlighted some data points, to give a an easily visible sign of the increase, if the user does not want to hover over each point.
B)
I chose to look at the differences in energy production in 5 different European counties. I chose the color green to be high contract, checking with all the different visibility options. It is also the color of energy. I stated the units of measurement in the title and to be extra clear that it is measured in mega watts. Finally, I put when the data was collected because it was not clear in the original data. It is also not interactive because there is no data that isn't shown.
C)
- Have you followed the checklist for visualizations (every step)?
- Yes I did follow the checklist for both graphs.
- Colors: How easy or difficult is changing colors using the tool?
- it is extremely easy to change the colors. and then if you change the color after already embedding it, it automatically update, and you can pick any hue you want
- Text/Labels: How easy or difficult is it to work with text and labels in the tool?
- It is difficult to add labels that data wrapper doesn't think that you need. I tried to add axis titles to the first graph and I could not more the acid off the edge of the screen. So I has to place the title at the top of the graph instead.
- Flexibility: How flexible are the tools? Can you make the changes you need?
- I would say it's fairly flexible. Many of the sizes of data points can be adjusted. All of the graphs do come out looking like they were made in Datawrapper and there is a standard that all of the graphs look like. But if you're fine with the overall look, then there is a solid number of customization options.
- Accessibility: What are the different accessibility options provided by the tools?
- Datawrapper provides multiple ways of viewing your graph as if you were a color blind person to ensure that the colors you picked will always be visible, or provide the meaning you're intending.
- Smartphone: How do the charts appear on your smartphone? Have you faced any issues while accessing them?
- The charts appear squished but still readable. I had no issues while attempting to view them on the phone.
Part 2
A)
B)
C)
- Have you followed the checklist for visualizations (every step)?
- Yes I followed the checklist yeah time I made a graph
- Colors: How easy or difficult is changing colors using the tool?
- changing colors is fairly easy. many of the themes are behind a paywall which makes it more challenging to quickly change. But you could manually change the colors, and add outlines
- Text/Labels: How easy or difficult is it to work with text and labels in the tool?
- It is easier to work with the labels than with Datawrapper. They allow you to easily add
- Flexibility: How flexible are the tools? Can you make the changes you need?
- It is less flexible than Datawrapper, it is more stiff in its option. you can make the changes you need, but also a few helpful things are behind a paywall which is annoying.
- Accessibility: What are the different accessibility options provided by the tools?
- There are no colorblind option. but it does have screen reading accessibility options
- Smartphone: How do the charts appear on your smartphone? Have you faced any issues while accessing them?
- They appeared on mobile. I faced no issues while trying to access them. They are squished bu visible.
Part 3
- In what context do you think Datawrapper is the best tool, and why? When would you not use it?
- I would use Datawrapper in almost any contest. I believe it is the better tool. It makes very clean-looking graphs, so I think making both static and interactive graphs would be excellent on this program. Its color choices are easy and vast. I think there are very few contexts in which you wouldn't use Datawrapper.
- What are the main benefits of using Datawrapper?
- it is super simple and intuitive for making good looking graphs. it's customization options are super easy, and intuitive. It is easy to import data for multiple types of files.
- In what context do you think Flourish is the best tool, and why? When would you not use it?
- I think making dynamic line charts would be the best use of Flourish. It had a function where you could highlight which series you would like to see, and you could compare multiple series at once. I think Flourish would be better with simpler data sets; the UI can get a bit messy when there is lots and lots of data. It would also be hard to ensure the data is correct, as the data import system is less intuitive.
- What are the main benefits of using Flourish?
- It is more dynamic than Datawrapper, and the aesthetic is a bit less sanitary. It is also animated and has a few more series options. it is good at showing difference over time because of its animations.
- Which of the tools do you personally prefer so far?
- I prefer Datawrapper. It is easier to use and I believe makes cleaner-looking graphs. Its customization options are significantly easier than Flourish too. Flourish makes titling the graph much harder than it needs to be, and other workflow things are too complicated in Flourish. I also think it makes more dynamic but less professional-looking graphs. Importing data is much easier in Datawrapper too.