Data Vis as Guide Dog
Charts and graphs have a job to do: the secret is knowing when they are (and aren’t) on the job
As a data vis designer living in both the art and data worlds, I sometimes hear that I should “just go wild” or “let my hair down” to produce more exciting, visually engaging graphics that feel more fun. On the other hand, I also hear that data visualization is a serious discipline with a purpose, where clarity and accurate interpretation trump all other concerns.
So, which is it? (Spoiler: maybe both!)
The difference between data vis and data art
To me, data vis is like a guide dog: staid, disciplined, and faithfully focused on the task at hand. Data vis has a job to do. Data art is more like a puppy: energetic, enthusiastic and playful, fearlessly exploring the possibilities of the medium and the moment — an expression of pure, kinetic joy. The guide dog and the puppy can even be the same animal, at different times. The key piece is deciding when the guide dog is on duty, and when he is off-leash and free to play.
