What COVID can teach us about the power of data visualization

Room 42 is where practitioners and academics meet to share knowledge about breaking research. In this episode, Sara Doan explains how to create accurate, accessible, and eye-catching graphics about complex technical data meant for sharing over social media

Season 1, Episode 14 | 48 min

There is nothing like a global pandemic to bring to the front and center the need for accurate and understandable graphics. The use of visual aids in communicating important information to a diverse audience is nothing new.

We know the importance of citing sources and accuracy, but stunning graphics with colors and lines influence our understanding and can shape behaviours and beliefs. With the advent of Social media and non-traditional news outlets, a new emphasis on stimulating data visualization is first priority.

As professional communicators, it is paramount that we understand data visualization so that we can pair our technical accuracy with the human psychology of aesthetics.

In this session, we talk about some very important lessons learned in a look back at what the COVID crisis has taught us all. We discuss guidelines for creating accurate, accessible, and eye-catching charts about COVID-19, particularly for sharing via social media.

From good graphics gone bad when taken out of context to blatant manipulations to sway opinion with no foundation in fact. We’ll also talk about the need for us to focus on accessibility and the democratization of information especially in times of crisis.

Email: sdoan4@kennesaw.edu
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-doan-53bb0749/
Faculty Page: http://facultyweb.kennesaw.edu/sdoan4