Action: Practice Skills & Develop Theoretical Knowledge of Data Representation Strategies

December 4, 2021 admin Action

I have distinguished developing skills and theoretical knowledge of data representation in particular because of its importance to my current MRP topic. Since I am looking to collaboratively propose new strategies for data representation that emphasize full control over and trust in the representation methods by visually impaired users, my end of the contribution to that collaborative process must involve a significant degree of subject matter expertise on data representation design.

This is an area of interest I have that exists outside the MRP, however, I am still relatively new to (but highly interested and invested in) data representation design. I have completed some courses on the basics, and produced a handful of projects that represent a good start on my studies of this topic, but I must accelerate my pace on this to meet the needs of my MRP.

What will I do to achieve this?

• Conduct literature reviews of current data representation design practices to establish the current state of this practice, particularly in the context of accessibility.
  • Progress: Outlier 2021 presentation on accessible data visualizations, showcases strategies using alt-text descriptions that describe the visuals and patterns of the data (Oct 13th, 2021)
• Familiarize myself with common software used to produce data representations, including interactive visualizations that uniquely add to the role data representations can play in users’ lives (Adobe XD, Tableau, others)
• Identify common pain points with emerging strategies for data representation design – what weaknesses are being overlooked while innovative techniques are being pushed forward?
• Review case studies for how research studies on data representation practices are developed – ideally, within the context of accessibility and for visually impaired users, however, look for opportunities for cross-pollination of strategies that may be effective despite originating in a different context.

Which goals will this action help me accomplish?

• Maximize current skill set
• Develop new skills
• Develop theoretical knowledge in relevant domains
• Conduct research study for MRP thesis topic

What resource(s) will I need to be successful?

• Sources for literature reviews
• Data representation software (Adobe XD, Tableau, etc)