Lessons Learned From Creating Physical Data Visualizations
We’ve had the luxury of hosting a hackathon every month at Gramener (a data storytelling company) and in July we tried our hands at creating physical data visualization outputs. We’ve been wanting to create physical visualizations just for fun, for we believe that these often frowned upon “fun” activities could just produce the seed for your next big idea. A well-wisher on being told of our latest experiments wants us to plan for the installation of a physical visualization at their premises to create awareness on social issues. See? Anyone still complaining?
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.” — Jung
The benefits that come from creating physical data viz outputs are immense. We are accustomed to creating web visuals using libraries like D3.js & often get carried away by technical milestones. The creation of physical outputs, on the other hand, compel us to focus a lot more on the larger goal. Web or hand-sketched prototypes help identify patterns and give an early indication of which storylines would work as a physical output. The available resources & physical space help in making quick feasibility decisions & plan for alternatives. A physical visualization will have to speak for itself without the presence of a…
