Alberto Cairo Unveils 'The Art of Insight': Evolution, Experiences, and Challenges in Data Visualization

The PolicyViz Podcast

In this week’s episode of the podcast, I welcome author, speaker, and professor Alberto Cairo to the show. We discuss his most recent book, The Art of Insight, and our conversation extends to acquiring reliable data and challenges people across the world face in creating useful and accessible data visualizations. We also discuss the current state of social media as it relates to the data visualization community and Alberto contemplates the future landscape for both the community and data-related conferences in a post-pandemic world.

Topics Discussed

• The Quest for Reliable Data: Alberto and I discuss the critical importance of acquiring accurate and reliable data. We talk about the the complexities involved when dealing with cross-country datasets and how cultural and systemic differences can impact data collection and representation.
• The Shifting Platforms of DataViz Communities: Once a thriving hub for sharing insights and innovations, Twitter’s popularity in the dataviz community is on the decline. We explore the implications of this shift and what platforms are emerging as new gathering spots for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
• The Post-Pandemic Outlook: With the world slowly adjusting to the new normal, we consider the future of data-related conferences and community gatherings. How will these events evolve, and what can we expect from virtual and in-person interactions in the coming years?
• Spotlight on Alberto: No conversation about data visualization would be complete without mentioning Alberto’s influential work in the field. We talk about his contributions, including his most recent book, The Art of Insight, and how his teachings have shaped the way we approach data storytelling.

➡️ Check out more links, notes, transcript, and more at the PolicyViz website.

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