Inspiration and Insights: Reflections from the Outlier 2023 Conference
When we’re deeply immersed in our work, sometimes we forget to pause and ‘smell the roses’. We need that reminder of why we do what we do. That’s why I want to share my recent experience at the 2023 Outlier Conference in Porto, Portugal. It was an explosion of inspiration, creativity, and connection! The conference showcased the power of data visualization, data activism, and data art in shaping our world.
Rather than gush about it, I want to share some standout moments and insights from the conference that truly made it a memorable experience.
At the heart of the conference, there was a rich blend of diversity and creativity that was truly invigorating. An energy garnered by more than our geographical differences, but cultivated by our unique approaches to perceiving and interacting with data. As I navigated the event, I encountered individuals from various backgrounds, each applying data visualization in distinctive ways within their respective sectors using a range of tools. The most beautiful part? The transcendence of all our differences towards the shared commitment of utilizing data visualization as a force for good — to positively influence people’s lives and foster a healthier connection with nature and our planet.
This shared aspiration was further echoed by the inspiring insights delivered by our keynote speakers. I was thrilled to hear from leaders in the field like Nadieh Bremer, John Burn-Murdoch, and Shirley Wu. Through their presentations, they showcased their exceptional work and cast a light on the future of data visualization. They spurred us to reflect upon the challenges we face, the opportunities that lie ahead, and our collective responsibility to use data visualization for the greater good.
Nadieh Bremer blew my mind away — all with a super down-to-earth, humble approach to things. Her way of working with visual metaphors and visual diversity and richness particularly drew me in. She explained how one can play with complex data and offer a richer experience by showing details before the aggregated data. Seems rather counter-intuitive, right? I thought so too, but it works. More about her work here.
John Burn-Murdoch shared his experiences in the Financial Times, shining light on another perspective and sector. He pointed out that neither words nor graphs alone are enough to change opinions. Instead, it’s the combination of the two that can be truly persuasive. By using words to explain and contextualize the data presented in graphs, we can help our audience understand the data and its implications. In short, do not forget the power of the written word in making our visualizations more accessible and persuasive, thereby maximizing their potential to inform, inspire, and effect change.
Shirley Wu shared her very personal journey into data art. She made me think for the first time about how different data visualization can be if you take out of the digital world and if you push it even further outside the accuracy realm. Is this still data viz? I think one can see it as a form of data impressionism. And just by the poetic beauty of it, I surrendered. Some of my favorite pieces from Shirley: One amongst many and Legends. You can get inspired by more of her work here.
Outside of keynote speakers, other captivating talks from experts, like the team at Two-n, Inc and Nina Errey, delved into unique concepts and emphasized the importance of narrative visualization evaluation. Nicola Bateman’s knowledge on visual tools for supply chains sparked my curiosity, particularly in relation to LandGriffon, our sustainable supply chain tool by Vizzuality.
The conference covered everything from infographics and data storytelling to business intelligence, analytics, and data art. We also didn’t shy away from essential topics like inclusivity, accessibility, and data literacy. By focusing on these themes, we not only captured the current state of data visualization but also sparked ideas about its exciting, limitless future.
Another of the highlights of the conference was the unconference meetings. These organic gatherings were a hotbed of discussion and debate. I had the privilege of discussing data activism with representatives from Viz for Social Good, an NGO that uses data visualization to drive social change. These discussions were not just enlightening; they were a reminder of the power of data visualization to make a difference in the world.
The Outlier Conference was more than just a gathering of professionals in data visualization; it was a vibrant community united by a shared passion for making a positive impact. Artists, developers, and experts from diverse backgrounds came together to learn, collaborate, and push the boundaries of creativity. It was a testament to the power of community in driving innovation and shaping the future of data visualization. We have much to thank the organizers for this, in particular Amanda Makulec and Marilia Cunha, who deserve a special mention. Their dedication to fostering a community of knowledge and collaboration was palpable. They facilitated an event where everyone was genuinely interested in sharing and learning, and their passion for the field was truly inspiring.
The Outlier Conference has certainly infused me with a renewed sense of inspiration and fresh perspectives on data visualization. As a proud Vizzuality team member, I am excited to harness this newfound inspiration and integrate it into our work. As Vizzuality continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we look forward to sharing our projects, vision, and contributions with the data visualization community. Together, we can create meaningful and impactful visualizations that make a difference in the world.
That’s why I extend an invitation to all the incredible individuals I had the privilege of connecting with at the Outlier Conference. Reach out to us, and let’s continue the conversation, share our ideas and best practices, and collaborate to make an even greater impact through data visualization. And rest assured, we’ll meet again next year at Outlier for another extraordinary gathering of data viz magic!
