Data Wrapper Lab

During this lab, I used Datawrapper to create four different graphs. This lab showed how different data sets are complimented best by different graphs.

Graph 1: Line Chart

This chart shows the transformation in popularity of three well-known social media sites — Facebook, YouTube and Myspace. Between roughly 2006–2008, Myspace was the most popular of the three social media platforms but it dropped off drastically by 2012. In 2009, all three platforms had roughly the same search popularity — about a 30 on the scale of 100. From there, Facebook took off, first hitting 100 on the scale in 2011 and then again in 2013. Youtube remained steadier, around 30–50 on the scale.

In recent years, both Facebook and YouTube have been declining in search popularity. This graph means that MySpace has become much less popular in recent years. Facebook has been the most searched of all three platforms, meaning it is likely the most popular. YouTube didn’t have the same rise as Facebook but it has had a steady amount of searches. In recent years, searches for Facebook and YouTube have been declining which may be due to other social medias such as Instagram and TikTok becoming more popular.

Graph 2: Pie Chart

This pie chart is based on an example in Chapter 5 of The Truthful Art by Alberto Cairo. It compares two different tests. Test 1 has a total 200 questions and so an 80% on that test would mean getting 160 questions right. Test 2 has a total of 32 questions, so an 80% on that test would mean getting 25.6 questions right. Getting 160 questions right on the first test feels like a bigger accomplishment than getting an 80% on the second test because there are more questions on the first test. This graph shows that the percentage of correct questions is actually equal by helping our brains visualize the data in an accurate way.

Graph 3:

This graph compares statistics of two NFL quarterbacks, Drew Brees and Josh Rosen. It compares touchdowns, interceptions, sacks, comp(%) and QBR. It shows that Drew Brees leads in touchdowns, comp(%) and QBR. Josh Rosen leads in interceptions and sacks. Based on this data most people will conclude that Drew Brees is the better quarterback.

Graph 4:

This chart looks at the changes in US job growth between 1990–2017. It covers three recessions and their recovery periods. The highlighted portions of the graph are the recession periods. Based on this graph, a period of recession is usually followed by a period of job growth.

Working on this lab enhanced my understanding of the power of visuals. I was surprised by how many small decisions there were to make for each graph from the labels to the type of graph. In addition to being able to make graphs of my own, I know that I will be able to interpret and analyze graphs at a higher level after completing this lab.