The next example is taken from the Data Storytelling course. This class is one of those classes that you take in college that you will constantly use and think about well after having taken it. Everything now is driven by data, but data alone cannot tell a story. What this class helped me do is to take raw data and maneuver it to gain insights. After gaining insightful knowledge I was taught how to present it in a clear, effective, meaningful, and accessible way. This class touched on topics involving design basics, how to utilize data ethically, best practices for delivering in person information, and how to build an online data visualization dashboard. I have used many of these skills in my current roles at TxDOT, and will continue to use them throughout my professional career.

 

     The main project for this class was to design an online dashboard, using Tableau software, around any subject we found interesting and could find a raw data set for. I am a huge music enthusiast and found a raw data set consisting of boy band data from Billboard’s Hot 100 list. It contained data around things like eye color, hair styles, song subjects, and when and how long each band peaked. The data set was different than any I had seen and was the main reason I chose it.

 

     Creating this dashboard involved a lot of manipulation of the data. In order to tell the story, I was aiming to convey I was forced to play with the data. Exploring with the data brought up many surprising outcomes. My personal favorite being that 22% of boy bands documented had members whose hairstyle featured frosted tips!

Interpreting the data is only half the battle. How you present it also matters. The design elements such as color, fonts, and placement make a significant difference in the accessibility of a dashboard and story. Chart and graph types also should be carefully chosen when using them on dashboards and slide presentations. One design flaw could obscure what story is being told and that could have substantial consequences.

 

     Completing this course helped me develop skills to effectively transfer knowledge, and that is something that will always remain valuable.

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