Chapter 2. Data Analysis and Visualization

Most visualization stories begin with some question that is oriented towards a topic where the data is being either explored or collected. The question contains the premise to the story and leads us to the point at which the data takes an expedition over the storyline. Such data expeditions that start with a question, for example, How many Ebola deaths were reported in the year 2014? are implemented by a group of people by collaborating with each other. The role of data communicators should be to create an information experience that transforms how their audiences think about their story.

The key parts of the story relate to the process of placing the visualization in a meaningful context. The context provides knowledge that answers questions such as the following:

• Is there sufficient data?

• Is there a time frame within which this data exists?

• Which associable events around the globe will influence this data?

To reiterate, it is important to understand...