Checklist
The selected graph is the best option for representing this data
All numbers double-checked
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
Exercise 1 – Datawrapper
1a)
For this line graph, I chose to highlight relevant events such as the energy crisis of the 1970's, and the Hiroshima and Fukushima disasters. The color, a brownish red, contrasts the white background. The description explains how the interactive side of the line graph works.
1b)
For this column chart, I chose to focus on the five EEA countries with the biggest net electrical capacity. The color scheme is the same as the line graph before. The description explains how to interact with the chart; what 1000 Megawatts are in Gigawatts "1000 Megawatts (MW) = 1 Gigawatt (GWe)"; and what EEA means "EEA - European Economic Area".
Have you followed the checklist for visualizations (every step)?
Yes
Colors: How easy or difficult is changing colors using the tool?
It's easy.
Text/Labels: How easy or difficult is it to work with text and labels in the tool?
It's easy, but it doesn't offer the option to add axis labels unless using the "Text Annotations" tool, which isn't the best option for this specific task.
Flexibility: How flexible are the tools? Can you make the changes you need?
In my opinion, Datawrapper isn't very flexible, its simplicity makes it hard to do more than what it allows you to.
Accessibility: What are the different accessibility options provided by the tools?
It offers a high-contrast theme, a colorblind check, and alternative text.
Smartphone: How do the charts appear on your smartphone? Have you faced any issues while accessing them?
In the first graph, the key points appear like legends, which makes it more confusing to read since it isn't as direct as in the desktop view. However, it's still understandable.
The second graph appears in the same way as in the desktop view.
Exercise 2 - Flourish
2a)
For this line graph, I chose to highlight the 1970's energy crisis, and the peak in operational nuclear reactors worldwide, in 2018. The color of the line is dark red because it gives a good contrast with the background. The graph is interactive.
2b)
For this chart, I focused on the 10 countries with the most active nuclear reactors in 2024. This is not an interactive chart - the numbers for each country are at the end of the respective columns. The color is the same as in the line graph, but with less opacity so the lines of the x axis can be slightly visual.
2c)
Have you followed the checklist for visualizations (every step)?
Yes
Colours: How easy or difficult is changing colors using the tool?
It's easy.
Text/Labels: How easy or difficult is it to work with text and labels in the tool?
It's easy.
Flexibility: How flexible are the tools? Can you make the changes you need?
In my opinion, Flourish is quite flexible, however, the amount of tools and options makes it hard to fully understand, and quite overwhelming/frustrating to work with.
Accessibility: What are the different accessibility options provided by the tools?
It offers a screen reader description.
Smartphone: How do the charts appear on your smartphone? Have you faced any issues while accessing them?
Both of the graphs appear in the same way as in the desktop view.
Exercise 3
In what context do you think Datawrapper is the best tool, and why? When would you not use it?
Datawrapper is the best tool in the sense that it's easier to use due to its simplicity. However, I wouldn't use it if I needed a more detailed visualization.
What are the main benefits of using Datawrapper?
The 'free hand' annotations are very useful. Overall, it's a simple tool that works very well.
In what context do you think Flourish is the best tool, and why? When would you not use it?
Flourish is the best tool in the sense that there are more options. I wouldn't use it if I wanted a simple graph/chart, because it can get very overwhelming.
What are the main benefits of using Flourish?
It's a tool with a lot of different functions, which can provide a more detailed and complete visualization.
Which of the tools do you personally prefer so far?
Datawrapper is my favorite tool. It's simple and efficient. Most options are available in an intuitive way, which makes it easier to use 'stress-free'.