Information design is the skill and practice of preparing information so people can use it efficiently and effectively for a given purpose. Often a visual representation of information can make more sense than text-only representation. Data visualization is the study and practice of visually representing data. We define data as information that represents the qualitative and/or quantitative characteristics of topics of interest.

Data Dashboards

Data2insight is here to guide your leadership team and managers through an effective and efficient process of mapping your future, identifying critical metrics, designing and implementing a strategic planning and/or operational dashboard to monitor progress against your plan and inform decision-making.

As you have probably seen, there is a fair degree of diversity in the products that go by the name “dashboard.” Most business intelligence (BI) vendors seem to agree that in order for something to qualify as a dashboard it must include a graphical display like a traffic light, gauge or meter. These features clearly leverage the metaphor of a car dashboard. The other thread that you may have seen is that these dashboard tools typically attempt to provide an overview of something currently going on in the business.

At data2insight we subscribe to Stephen Few’s* definition, informed by much thought and research: A dashboard is a visual display of the most important information needed to achieve one or more objectives; consolidated and arranged on a single screen (or document) so the information can be monitored at a glance.

A data dashboard can be a valuable strategy management, decision-making and performance management tool for organizations, including small to mid-sized ones. The limited resources of small and mid-sized organizations require them to have even greater focus and alignment than large multinational organizations. Yet, they don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars for BI software and long strategic planning processes. That is where data2insight comes in. We can help your organization creatively and effectively employ world-class tools and practices to achieve your objectives within your time and budget constraints.

*Stephen Few is an IT innovator, consultant and educator who focuses on data visualization for analyzing and communicating quantitative business information. He is also author of Information Dashboard Design: The Effective Visual Communication of Data.

See our strategic planning section for a description of a past strategic planning dashboard project.

Infographics

Infographics are commonly used to illustrate weather forecasts, newsworthy events, political and social issues, and statistical data. Infographics can also be valuable for mapping programs, processes, plans and organizations.

Past project:

This infographic was designed as a handout for a middle school science night. It provides links to brain games that parents and kids can play to develop different brain functions. It challenges them to increase their brain activity weekly and reminds them that physical and mental activity are key to brain health.

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Process Maps

Mapping a decision making process can be valuable when dealing with important organizational decisions.

Past project:

This map was one tool used by a non-profit board to help inform their decision making process as they contemplated a multi-million dollar purchase.

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Insightful Slide Presentations

If you want to raise the communications benchmark and harness the concepts
of visual storytelling for yourself and your organization, data2insight
can help. We provide presentation consulting services including:

1. Review of slides and/or your complete presentation
2. Slide design/re-design services
3. Visual storytelling workshops that teach you the key concepts of visual storytelling and how to employ them when creating your slide presentations

Presentation software, whether it is PowerPoint, Key Note or something else, is the first application broadly adopted by professionals that requires people to think visually. Nevertheless, very few professionals who use this type of software are taught effective visual expression, which is neither easy or natural. As a result, most of us who use slide presentations don’t know how to effectively produce or deliver them. Because so many slide presentations are poorly designed and delivered, we have come to have low expectations of these presentations. Yet when a presentation is developed and delivered well, it is a communication tool full of potential. It has the power to affect change, improve lives, inform wise decisions, inspire and fund innovation. Al Gore’s slide presentation created a tipping point for climate change. On the other hand, ineffective presentation of information lead to a misinformed decision to launch the doomed Challenger space shuttle.

Everyone has the potential to be a great communicator who effectively employs both visual and verbal expression. Every presentation is important. Every audience is worthy of excellent presentations.

Past project:

After

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This design employs graphics and color to enhance the message and increase knowledge transfer. Veronica consulted with the presenter and provided the re-design in 48 hours.

Before

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This slide is from a presentation designed by a sociologist slated to present to a European audience about doctoral education in the United States. This slide was intended to communicate the process of attaining a PhD in general and highlight differences between natural science and social science PhD programs.