How Designing a Data Visualisation Works as an Impactful Art Form

In today's world, design and technology are increasingly intertwined, leading to more projects that combine the two. This convergence has created innovative fields that merge creativity with technical expertise, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. One field that showcases this blend is data visualisation, which has become a powerful tool for visually communicating complex information. However, to learn more about the topic, it's essential to understand the origins of data visualisation. 

Data visualisation has become a crucial skill within the broader field of data science, evolving from a complementary technique to an essential component of the data science toolkit. The growth of data visualisation in data science is supported by two key factors: the increasing quality and quantity of datasets and the advancement of technological platforms supporting visualisation. 

Although the history of data visualisation dates back centuries, early examples can be found in maps and astronomical charts. Then, a more modern form began in the 17th century when statistical data was first presented graphically. Since then, data visualisation has progressed significantly, adapting to new technologies and data types, specifically digital data, in recent years. 

As our digital world generates unprecedented volumes of data, effectively presenting this information has become critical across industries and disciplines. This has led to a surge in the popularity of data visualisation skills within the data science community, with professionals recognizing its importance in extracting and communicating meaningful insights from complex datasets. 
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The Power of Visual Processing   ​

Besides the apparent supporting factors contributing to the growth of data visualisation, such as advancements in technology and the increasing quality of datasets, what makes visual data inherently a more exciting approach to presenting information? Visual information is significantly more straightforward to digest and consume than raw numbers or text. When data is presented visually, it often reveals more of the story hidden within the numbers. This is because our brains are wired to process visual information more quickly and efficiently according to MIT neuroscientists that found out that the brain can identify images seen for as little as 13 milliseconds. 

Data was being visualized by showing a list of connected items, their relationships, and the details within these connections. For example, the work of Barabási Lab in network science demonstrates how complex systems can be visualized by the “Hidden Patterns” exhibition. Their visualisations of social networks, biological systems, and technological networks have uncovered intricate relationships that were not apparent in the raw data. These visualisations allow researchers and viewers to grasp complex concepts and relationships at a glance.  
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“150 years of Nature” by Barabási Lab in the Hidden Pattern Exhibition visualising the connection of papers’ co-citation network

The Art of Creating Compelling Visualisations   ​

Creating compelling data visualisations requires careful consideration of the targeted response from the audience. Choosing the correct type of visualisation for the data and the story you want to tell is essential. This involves understanding your audience, selecting appropriate mediums, and ensuring the visualisation is accurate and easy to interpret. The goal is to create a visual representation that presents the data, engages the viewer, and guides them toward the intended insights. Edward Tufte, a pioneer in data visualisation, emphasizes the importance of "graphical excellence," which involves presenting complex ideas with clarity, precision, and efficiency. His principles have guided many data scientists and designers in creating visualisations that are not only informative but also aesthetically pleasing. 

At its core, data visualisation is a form of storytelling. Artists like Refik Anadol and Aaron Koblin have pushed the boundaries of data visualisation, creating immersive and interactive experiences that tell compelling stories through data. Their work demonstrates how data visualisation can be both informative and emotionally engaging, turning abstract numbers into narratives that resonate with viewers on a personal level. For instance, Refik Anadol's "Melting Memories" project uses brainwave data to create stunning visual art, exploring the intersection of memory and technology. Aaron Koblin's "Flight Patterns" visualizes air traffic data, transforming mundane flight paths into mesmerizing patterns that highlight the complexity and beauty of global travel. 
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“Melting Memories” by Refik Anadol (2018) visualising the human neuro-mechanism

“Flight Pattern” by Aaron Koblin (2005) visualising the air traffic over North America 

​The Impact of Data Visualisation ​

The importance of data visualisation cannot be overstated in our increasingly data-driven world. It impacts us by making complex information accessible, facilitating better decision-making, and enabling us to spot trends and patterns quickly. In fields ranging from business and science to public policy and journalism, data visualisation helps communicate important insights effectively. According to the Institute of Data, organizations that leverage data visualisation tools are more likely to gain actionable insights and achieve better business outcomes. It allows us to process vast amounts of information quickly, leading to faster and more informed decisions. ​

At its core, data visualisation is a form of storytelling. Artists like Refik Anadol and Aaron Koblin have pushed the boundaries of data visualisation, creating immersive and interactive experiences that tell compelling stories through data. These artists transform raw data into compelling narratives that resonate both intellectually and emotionally. Anadol's "Melting Memories" exemplifies this approach, translating complex brainwave data into a mesmerizing visual spectacle that explores the intersection of memory, technology, and human consciousness. Similarly, Koblin's "Flight Patterns" elevates mundane air traffic data into a captivating visual tapestry, revealing global travel's hidden beauty and complexity. These works demonstrate the profound impact of thoughtful data visualisation, showcasing its ability to evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, and illuminate unseen patterns in our interconnected world. By merging artistic vision with data-driven insights and ever-growing technology, it invites viewers to engage with data in novel, deeply personal ways.
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The Future of Data Visualisation ​

Data visualisation has become an essential tool in our data-rich environment. By transforming numbers into visual stories, it bridges the gap between raw data and human understanding. As we continue to generate more data, the ability to visualize it effectively will only grow in importance. Whether in scientific research, business analytics, or public communication, data visualisation will remain crucial for uncovering and sharing the stories hidden within our data. The ongoing advancements in visualisation technologies and methodologies promise to enhance further our ability to interpret and communicate complex information, making data visualisation an indispensable skill for the future. 
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By Patricia Djauhari

Patricia is an ever-curious artist who focuses her artistic journey on a new media approach. She is interested in the blend of science and art, and how it would be used to engage and evoke emotions with the audience.  

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-djauhari/  ​