Brent Dykes’ Post

🚀 Bytes for Bites Episode 9: Data Visualization - Unleashing Personal and Organizational Insights 🚀 🌟 The Power of Visualization: Data visualization is not just about understanding complex information, it's about unlocking insights that drive better decision-making and innovation in both personal and business contexts. 💡 Cultivating a Data Visualization Culture: It's not enough to understand the power of data visualization, organizations need to foster a culture that values and utilizes it. This can be achieved by encouraging visual tools for reporting and decision-making and empowering employees with training in tools like Tableau or Power BI. 🔍 Tools for Today's Data Challenges: With the explosion of data in the digital age, it's crucial to leverage visualization tools that simplify complexity and enhance comprehension. By integrating these tools into daily workflows, organizations can effectively handle large volumes of data, ensuring they are collected and fully utilized to unlock insights. 🤝 Inspiring Action Through Visualization: Data visualization is a storytelling tool that can inspire action by making the abstract tangible. Whether tracking project timelines, monitoring market trends, or even personal health metrics, visualization brings data to life, making it actionable and relatable. 💼 Implementing Effective Visual Strategies: To harness the full potential of data visualization, organizations must invest in both the tools and the training necessary to create insightful visuals. Encouraging a culture of curiosity and continuous learning can lead to more innovative uses of data visualization across all levels of the organization. 🤝 Dive Deeper & Discuss: How has data visualization impacted your professional or personal life? What tools do you find most effective, and how can organizations better implement these resources to enhance understanding and decision-making? Please share your experiences, and let's explore the best practices in data visualization together! #BytesForBites #DataVisualization #StrategicInsights #VisualData #InnovativeThinking

#Data & #Analytics #Leaders Episode 40: #SelfServiceBI pillars What does really Self Service BI mean for your organization? 💡Have you ever taken a moment to think about this? Is it another buzzy word? A point on the list wish? A part of the ambiguous vision for future organizations? Or tangible set of training and initiatives under an umbrella of the well run development program? The expected organizational culture reflected in people behaviours? The smart IT platforms provide needed tools and well designed data models? 🧐Each data & analytics leader should seriously consider how to incorporate into the organisation self-service BI. This is a journey, and this journey needs a holistic approach. I saw many failures in this field just because it was done without proper planning, vision, strategy, and resources in the faith that all people are equally capable of doing analytics. 🏛️Below, I listed top topics to consider before you start: 1️⃣ Infrastructure - Can you do self-service BI based on flat file extracts processed in Excel? Of course, you can, but is it efficient and convenient? The first pillar is adjusted infrastructure, which provides people with quick data access and #lowcoding or even #nocoding tools to make easy data processing. 2️⃣ #DataCatalog & #DataModels - To be able to analyse data, you need to understand its nature and characteristics. For that purpose, data should be sliced and diced into specific data sets, which are well defined and described in the way that business user can use them. Moreover, #MasterData should be delivered to allow data joints for deeper #analysis. 3️⃣ #DataLiteracy - Many times, I emphasise that people have different talents and skills, so they might need a little more support in understanding the power of data if it is not their core skill. About the data literacy program, I wrote several posts, and if you are interested more in the topic, please read them. 4️⃣ #DataCulture - the last but not least pillar. Probably the hardest to achieve. The data culture is a set of particular habits and behaviours which create #datadriven organisations. Without establishing and promoting data culture in the organisation, any self-service BI won't survive despite how technology advance is.

📊 The Power of Data Visualization: Turning Numbers into Insights! 💡 Ever wondered how to make sense of all that data floating around? Enter the world of data visualization! 🌈✨ Eye-Catching Appeal 👀 Let's face it - spreadsheets can be boring. But turn those numbers into colorful charts and graphs, and suddenly everyone's interested! Data visualization transforms dry statistics into visually stunning stories that capture attention and spark curiosity. Information at a Glance 🔍 Why spend hours poring over rows and columns when you can grasp key insights in seconds? A well-designed visualization distills complex information into easily digestible visuals, making it a breeze to spot trends, patterns, and outliers. Forecasting the Future 🔮 Data visualization isn't just about the present - it's a crystal ball for business! By presenting historical data in a visual format, we can identify trends and make more accurate predictions. It's like having a superpower for strategic planning! Strategic Planning Made Easy 🎯 Want to build a rock-solid business strategy? Data visualization is your secret weapon! By presenting complex data sets in an easy-to-understand format, it empowers decision-makers to spot opportunities, identify risks, and make informed choices. Storytelling with Numbers 📚 Every dataset has a story to tell, and data visualization is the ultimate storyteller. It transforms raw numbers into compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders, making your reports and presentations more engaging and memorable. Uncovering Hidden Insights 💎 Sometimes, the most valuable insights are hiding in plain sight. Data visualization helps uncover these hidden gems by presenting information in new and innovative ways, leading to those "aha!" moments that drive innovation. Improved Communication 🗣️ Break down silos and get everyone on the same page! Visual representations of data facilitate better communication across teams and departments, ensuring that insights are shared and understood by all. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words - and in the case of data visualization, it might be worth a million insights! 💼📈 Are you harnessing the power of data visualization in your work? Share your favorite visualization tools or techniques in the comments below! 👇 #DataVisualization #BusinessIntelligence #DataScience #Analytics #StrategicPlanning #DataDriven #BusinessStrategy #Innovation

Companies of all sizes love to use Big Query to uncover insights from their data. As a data enthusiast, you are likely familiar with this line. However, when it comes to improving companies' decision-making, data professionals must learn how to tell better data stories. Beyond data visualization lies the ability to effectively communicate insights using storytelling techniques. Here are five key elements of data storytelling: 1. Purpose The "Ask" stage in the data analysis process is crucial. This is where you define the objectives of your analysis. Understanding the purpose of your analysis will make any dataset look familiar and provide a strong starting point and this in turn help you tell a better story. 2. Knowing Your Audience A study by Harvard Business Review emphasizes the importance of understanding your audience's data literacy. Tailoring your communication to both technical and non-technical stakeholders can significantly improve engagement and decision-making . 3. Constructing a Compelling Narrative. Follow a narrative to address all the questions your analysis aims to answer. A well-constructed narrative can make complex data more understandable and actionable . 4. Well-Organized Visuals There is no better way to tell a story than using appropriate visuals that capture the composition, comparison, relationships, and distributions, correctly. And also, having a well organized data is one way to tell a better data story. 5. Presentation Skills Watching how experts present complex ideas in a simple and engaging manner can provide valuable insights for your own presentations Decision-making isn't easy, but if data is well-communicated using data storytelling techniques, it can foster fast and prompt responses in decision-making. #dataanalysis #datastorytelling #storytellingwithdata #dataenthusiast

I Just finished reading Effective Data Storytelling by Brent Dykes and want to share some thoughts that I believe are valuable for every professional who manage data on a regular basis: - There is a big difference between informing and communicating. When we inform, we are simply passing along information. However, when we effectively communicate, we transmit a message that both draw attention, clarify what it means and persuading our audience to act. - Understanding the audience can be crucial for a well-succeeded data story: Who are the people I’m going to present my analysis to? Are they technical people or not? What is their background? These types of questions can help us identify the best way to shape our story. - A compelling data story is constructed within data foundation. The more we know what the data is trying to tell us while exploring it, the more clarity we have to decide if that insight is actionable and if it’s worth transforming into a data story. - Narrative is essential to make people engage with the message we’re trying to convey. Instead of pulling a bunch of numbers and charts, why don’t we organize it in parts, similarly to movies and plays: Where does our story begin? What is our Aha moment? What are our proposed solutions and how does the audience act on our insights? - Before going to a software and investing a significant amount of time creating visualizations, sketching the scenes of a data story manually (paper and pen, tablet or whenever tool), enable us to step back and identify the best elements - visual types, typographic elements, annotations - for each part of the story, saving time. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to improve their data outputs. It’s very approachable and presents concepts with numerous real-world examples. Wishing you all the best in your future data stories!

Book Recommendation for the folks who are dealing with story telling through data. Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals** by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic is an excellent resource for anyone who needs to communicate effectively with data. Let's dive into the key takeaways from this book: 1. **Understand the Context:** - Before creating any data visualization, invest time in understanding your context. Consider your audience, core message, and storyline. - Define your core message and focus on explanatory data (what's relevant and important) rather than exploratory data. - Create an initial storyboard or visual outline of your content structure and flow. 2. **Choose an Effective Visual Display:** - Select the most appropriate visual(s) for your data and objective. - Remember that almost anyone can create charts and graphs, but few can use data to tell a clear and compelling story. 3. **Simplify and Clarify:** - Keep your visualizations simple and avoid clutter. - Use color, labels, and annotations strategically to enhance clarity. 4. **Focus on the Message:** - Ensure that your data visualization supports your core message. - Eliminate distractions and unnecessary elements. 5. **Tell a Story:** - Arrange your data in a logical sequence to guide the viewer through your message. - Use storytelling techniques to engage your audience. 6. **Iterate and Refine:** - Be prepared to revise and improve your visualizations based on feedback and insights. Remember, data visualization isn't just about creating charts; it's about conveying a meaningful story. By following these principles, you can turn your data into impactful visual narratives that resonate with your audience¹². 📊✨ And since you mentioned feeling disheartened, here's a positive quote to lift your spirits: > "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." — Franklin D. Roosevelt Keep pushing forward, and remember that challenges are opportunities for growth!

The Art of Data Visualization: Crafting Stories that Drive Action 🎨📊 Seeing is Believing: Making Data Speak In the fast-paced world of #businessoperations, transforming raw data into compelling visual stories is a game-changer. The art of data visualization goes beyond eye-catching charts; it crafts narratives that drive strategic decisions and actionable insights. 📊✨ Presenting complex data intuitively and engagingly enables #stakeholders to quickly grasp critical insights and make informed decisions, turning numbers into a clear roadmap for success. As a business operations professional, I’ve seen the power of effective data visualization firsthand. When data is visually represented, it transcends mere figures and tells a resonant story. Whether highlighting trends, pinpointing inefficiencies, or #forecasting outcomes, a well-crafted visual transforms abstract data into a compelling narrative that drives action. 🌟🔍 Embracing data visualization is a strategic advantage, leading to smarter decisions and a more agile organization. Elevate your business strategy with impactful data stories. 🌐

Mastering Data Storytelling Hello Connectors, We’ve just wrapped up the "Data Storytelling Concepts" course on @DataCamp, and it’s time to reflect on the significant insights we’ve gained this week in our #DIYSkillTracks journey. Shifting from data-driven decision-making to the art of storytelling, we've explored how to build compelling narratives around data. Chapter 1: Telling a Great Story. We explored the importance of storytelling and learned how to structure an impactful data narrative. Understanding why stories captivate and inspire helped us frame data in memorable ways. The chapter emphasized the magic of stories and their ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level. We examined Freytag's story structure and the qualities of a blockbuster story, setting the foundation for effective data storytelling. Chapter 2: Data Story Components This chapter took us deeper into the elements that make a great story. We learned the importance of understanding our audience—whether technical or non-technical—and tailoring our narrative to their needs. We covered setting the scene, building tension through inductive reasoning, and forming a cohesive narrative. These skills are crucial in making data relatable and engaging, ensuring our insights resonate with our audience. Chapter 3: Visualizing Your Story The final chapter focused on the visual aspect of storytelling. We discovered best practices for using charts and visualizations to enhance our data stories. From selecting the right types of charts to decluttering visuals for clarity, this chapter was packed with practical tips. We also explored the concept of storyboarding to plan and organize our data stories effectively. Credibility and clarity in visualizations were emphasized, ensuring our audience trusts the data we present. Reflecting on this week, I can see how foundational concepts from our first DIY skill track course, "Introduction to Data Literacy," seamlessly transitioned into advanced storytelling techniques. Data storytelling transforms insights into actionable strategies, emphasizing its crucial role in data management. The ability to effectively communicate data insights drives decision-making and inspires change within organizations. Next week, we will further build on our strategic data management skills with the course "Introduction to Data Culture." This course will cover essential concepts of data culture, its benefits and challenges, and how it contributes to business success. We’ll explore the components of a data culture, how to measure progress through a maturity model, and the role of data leadership. How has the "Data Storytelling Concepts" course transformed your approach to data presentations? Share your experiences, and let’s continue to grow together. #DIYSkillTracks #DataCamp #DataStorytelling #DataManagement

Ever wondered why some data presentations leave a lasting impact while others fall flat? It's all about the power of storytelling 📖 In the realm of data analysis, storytelling is not just a nice-to-have skill—it's essential. Simply presenting raw data isn't enough. To truly engage your audience and drive action, you need to weave a compelling narrative around your insights. Here are some key tips for effective data storytelling: 1. Know Your Audience: Tailor your story to resonate with those you're addressing. 2. Craft a Narrative: Go beyond the numbers and create a story that captivates. 3. Visualise Wisely: Use visuals to simplify and enhance understanding. 4. Focus on Story, Not Just Data: Aim to tell a story that highlights the significance and implications of your data. For instance, when I analysed aircraft accidents with excel and presented my dashboard to stakeholders, I crafted a narrative around recent articles that had been released to give some background knowledge and emotionally connect with the audience as to why this is an important topic to investigate. I then brought in my analysis and followed on that narrative by narrowing down my analysis to one point of focus which was - so now we know there are lots of crashes with this specific aircraft make, why is that? You can also find a great resource on data story telling here: https://lnkd.in/ewVspqax Data storytelling can transform your analysis into a powerful tool for decision-making. Have any other tips when it comes to incorporating data storytelling in your presentations? Comment below with your thoughts! 📊💡

🌟 The Journey to Mastering Data Visualization 🌟 Creating great visualizations is like embarking on an exciting adventure! Let’s break it down into a simple story: 1️⃣ The Call to Action Every journey begins with a challenge: 💬 "How do I turn confusing data into a clear, useful story?" You decide to step up and start your journey! #DataStorytelling #Visualization 2️⃣ The First Steps Every adventure needs a plan. You: ✅ Set clear goals for your visualization. ✅ Learn about your audience—Who will use it? What do they need? Planning is the key to success! 3️⃣ Facing Challenges The path isn’t always smooth. You might: ⚠️ Struggle with messy or unclear data. 🤔 Wonder if your visuals make sense. 🔄 Redo designs after feedback. But each challenge is a step toward mastery. #DataChallenges #Feedback 4️⃣ Learning from Guides Every hero finds helpful tools and tips! Guides to improve your work: 📊 Choose the right dashboard type (operational, strategic, or analytical). 📈 Match the right data to the right chart. 🎨 Use visuals that are simple and clear. These guides help make your visualizations shine! ✨ 5️⃣ The Big Moment It’s showtime! 🎉 Can your visualization: ✅ Help others take action? ✅ Make the story crystal clear? 🔁 The secret? Keep improving with feedback until it’s just right. #DesignIteration 6️⃣ Success! Your visualization works! 🎯 💼 It helps teams work better. 📊 Guides decisions. 🛠️ Solves problems. You’ve turned data into a powerful tool that benefits everyone. #DataSuccess 7️⃣ Sharing the Knowledge You return from your journey ready to share what you’ve learned. 🙌 Now, you’re not just a data analyst—you’re a storyteller who makes data meaningful. ✨ Great visualizations don’t just look good—they solve problems and drive action. ✨ 💡 What’s the best lesson you’ve learned about visualizations? Share your thoughts below! 👇