Abstract: 

As data analysis becomes a core activity for every organisation, the pressure to separate the signal from the noise also grows. The insights gained from data analysis are only ever truly valuable if they can be clearly expressed to other people: leaders, colleagues, users, customers, or other stakeholders.

Data visualisation offers a brilliant way of bringing the raw numbers to life, but it can be a daunting task. On one hand, audiences – particularly if they are non-specialists – can find it hard to digest complex graphs, nuanced data or statistical methodologies. On the other hand, there are plentiful examples of data visualisations that look great as a poster but actually communication very little.

This workshop, taught by Clever Boxer co-founder Alan Rutter, will introduce an audience-centred approach to visualising data. It will cover with tried-and-tested techniques for communicating data-driven stories effectively to people from a broad range of backgrounds.

The workshop is particularly suited to anyone analysing with large data sets who needs to communicate the meaning to a lay audience – whether through printed materials, presentations, social media, or websites and apps.

There is no focus on a specific tool or language, although a range of useful resources will be mentioned. Attendees will leave with a clear set of repeatable steps for turning their data insights into powerful stories to change minds and drive action.

Bio: 

Alan Rutter is the co-founder of consultancy Clever Boxer. He first worked with infographics as a magazine journalist (Time Out, WIRED), before moving into technology roles (Condé Nast, Net-A-Porter) and then training and development (The Guardian, General Assembly). He has taught data visualisation techniques to thousands of students, and for organisations including the Home Office, Department of Health, Biotechnology and Biosciences Research Council, Capita, Novartis and Kings College London.