Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight explores data visualization, information design, and data literacy. The newsletter covers the historical context, ethical implications, personal growth in the field, implicit biases, practical recommendations, and the role of technology and community in visualization work.

data visualization information design data literacy ethics personal growth biases practical recommendations technology community

The hottest Substack posts of Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight

And their main takeaways

Visualization as a shared revealing experience

139 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24

Visualization can be a powerful tool for learning. When you create visuals with clear learning objectives, it helps the viewer understand and remember the message better.
In legal settings, visuals can be persuasive. They help juries see the facts in a more impactful way, making it easier to follow along and draw conclusions.
Creating visuals is a shared experience. When designers and their audience connect over a visualization, it can lead to moments of discovery and understanding together.

A reduction in complexity is a reduction in humanity

279 implied HN points • 10 May 24

🎭️ Culture History Art Design Data Humanity

Reducing complexity in data visualization can lead to oversimplifying important human stories. It's essential to remember that simplification can erase important details that affect people's lives.
The history of data visualization is linked to darker aspects of society, like slavery and eugenics. Recognizing this helps us understand the impact of our tools and the stories we choose to tell.
Visualization can be a powerful tool to reveal new insights when used correctly. By learning from the past, we can aim to avoid repeating mistakes and address inequalities.

What I'm reading (April 2024 edition)

199 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24

📚 Literature Books Reading Non-fiction Science Statistics

Statistics and probability have a complex history that affects many sciences today. It's important to understand that probability is more about uncertainty than just measuring how often something happens.
Books like 'Normality' explore how the idea of normal has been used to marginalize certain groups of people. The meanings of normal have changed over time and can be harmful.
The connection between different thinkers and ideas can help us understand reality better. Books like 'The Rigor of Angels' look at these links and ask important questions about what we truly know.

How visualization reveals implicit prejudices

219 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24

🎭️ Culture Data Visualization Media representation Gender Issues Social norms

Data visualization can show our hidden biases. Seeing how we react to certain graphs might make us realize our feelings about different groups.
Negative reactions to visual data about trans and nonbinary people may reflect societal prejudices. People should think about why they feel the way they do when looking at such charts.
Many mainstream media outlets report on gender issues in a biased way. Understanding our biases can lead to better reporting and broader acceptance of gender diversity.

The Spanish Visualization Diaspora: An Exhibition

199 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Design Exhibitions Infographics Cultural Journalism

Many Spanish infographic designers have moved to other countries since the 1990s, especially the USA, to find better opportunities. They often notice much better salaries and working conditions compared to Spain.
Spanish designers are trained to be versatile, handling various tasks such as drawing, programming, and creating data visuals. This diverse skill set is attractive to employers abroad.
Even though they face challenges when leaving their home country, many Spanish designers maintain a positive attitude and good humor about their work, making them well-liked in their new environments.

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Maturity and enthusiasm

239 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24

🪑 Design Information Design Data Visualization Teaching Methods Creative Process Professional development

Maturity in a profession can bring new insights and clarity. It's a journey that includes both personal growth and the evolution of skills and knowledge.
Learning how to design information helps us communicate and think better. It's a valuable skill that can benefit anyone, not just designers.
This newsletter will share personal experiences, analysis, and recommendations about data visualization. It's an exploration of the craft and the joy of learning together.

Nathan Yau's friendly voice

99 implied HN points • 29 May 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Data Visualization Infographics Statistics Graphic design Book Reviews

Nathan Yau is known for making data visualization fun and approachable, both in his blog and his book, 'Visualize This'.
The second edition of 'Visualize This' offers updated examples and tools, making it more cohesive than the first edition.
Reading Yau's work feels like getting hands-on help from an experienced designer, which makes learning enjoyable.

Mirrors, not windows

19 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24

🎭️ Culture Visual Arts Literature Community Engagement Social justice

Use data to create mirrors, not windows. This means helping communities understand themselves better, instead of letting outsiders judge them.
Visualizations can be made more inclusive and participatory. Designers should involve the community in creating the data displays.
The benefits of datafication are not shared equally. Often, dominant groups gain more advantages, while marginalized groups face increased risks and harms.

Discussing the present and future of visualization with Jon Schwabish

39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24

🪑 Design Data Visualization Graphic design Information Design User Experience

Visualization is changing fast, and it's important to keep up with new ideas and methods. This evolution makes it exciting to learn and grow in the field.
There isn't a main online place where designers can share their work and chat about it yet. Having a common space could help everyone connect and improve together.
The approach to design should focus on flexibility rather than strict rules. This mindset can benefit not just design work but also how we teach others about it.

Avoiding the demise of intention

1 HN point • 09 Sep 24

🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Data Visualization Ethics Philosophy

Generative A.I. can create content, but it often lacks the personal touch and intention that human creators bring. It's important for creators to maintain a hands-on approach in their work.
Using software and A.I. tools should enhance creativity, not replace the unique input of individuals. Always customize and refine automated outputs to keep them personal.
A.I. may lower our expectations for creativity and meaningful content, which can be dehumanizing. It's essential to consider how we want to engage with technology in our creative processes.

Visualizing extrajudicial violence in Bangladesh

19 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24

🌍 World Politics International relations Human Rights Journalism Data Visualization

Investigative journalism is still thriving worldwide, producing important work even in tough conditions. Journalists work hard to uncover truths, showcasing their dedication and creativity.
In Bangladesh, extrajudicial killings by security forces have surged, especially around election times. Reports show over 2,500 cases of violence in recent years, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.
Innovative visual storytelling, like the project by Nazmul Ahasan, brings attention to these serious topics. Combining solid research with engaging graphics helps people understand and connect with the information.

An interview in 'Significance' magazine

19 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24

🎨 Art & Illustration Data Visualization Graphic design Creative Process Visual Arts Communication

Learning basic rules of data visualization helps you make better choices but it's also important to know that there aren't hard and fast rules. Understanding conventions allows you to decide how to present data effectively.
Using a bar graph is often better than a pie chart for comparing numbers, but beyond that, your choices matter more than following strict rules.
The key is to use the knowledge you've gained about perception and cognition to guide your decisions, creating a unique approach to data visualization.