Beyond Reports, Towards Experiences

“The purpose of art is to make the stone stony.” — Shklovsky How design can transform data reports into narrative information experiences.

What is it about?

Data visualisations are quite a common part of modern journalism and storytelling — from data graphics that go with a text-driven story to visualisation-driven narratives. This talk explores the role of thoughtful design and art direction in news design so that even the most complex or dry subjects can become immersive and impactful narratives.

We’ll look at stories that are perhaps not too heavy on data but include information that needs to be delivered with an impact. Through real-world examples — financial data, electoral explanations, and so on, we’ll look at visual stories that not only inform but also engage the readers/viewers in an era of shrinking attention spans and information overload.

Attendees will gain a framework for identifying visual opportunities, collaborating with designers and developers, and rethinking how information is structured for maximum impact.

Who is it for?

This is for anyone trying to ideate and create novel ways to represent data and information in digital publications. Whether you’re a journalist, editor, designer, or developer, this session will inspire you to move beyond the limitations of text and embrace the power of interactive narrative design to create stories that not only inform—but captivate your audience.

What’s in it?

1. Understanding of narrative design and interaction patterns using examples from news media.
2. A framework for identifying visual opportunities, collaborating with designers and developers, and rethinking how information is structured for maximum impact.
3. Knowledge of how data, when artistically presented, can drive stories rather than being dry charts and graphics in a supporting role with text.

This talk will serve as a refresher on how far we have come in using data for narrative design and will explore examples where page design and art direction played a critical role in turning the story into an experience. e.g. https://www.reuters.com/graphics/GERMANY-ELECTION/ECONOMY/zjpqaqdorpx/ As the digital space gets saturated with interactive charts, dashboards, and linear stories, it is our responsibility as information designers to rethink and reimagine how we might captivate our audiences with well-designed information experiences.