Software Engineering Daily Modern Data Visualization with Robert Kosara
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Sep 2, 2025 Robert Kosara, a Data Visualization Developer at Observable with a rich background at Salesforce and Tableau, dives deep into the art of modern data visualization. He discusses how intuitive visuals are crucial for data-driven decisions and highlights the balance between aesthetics and functionality. The conversation touches on evolving trends, from minimalist designs to playful elements, and the accessibility of various visualization types. Kosara also explores the impact of technology, like AI and the D3 library, in transforming how data is represented and understood.
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Switching From Academia To Industry
- Robert Kosara left academia for industry to focus on doing research work without heavy administrative duties.
- He joined Tableau Research after a sabbatical and later moved to Observable to work on developer relations and education.
Research With Product Impact
- Industry research often aims for direct product impact instead of only academic publication.
- Kosara preferred getting research into users' hands rather than producing papers that never reach practitioners.
Visualization Unlocks Human Pattern Recognition
- Visuals let humans perceive patterns in large datasets quickly, enabling actions informed by data.
- Kosara values visuals both for exploration and persuasive communication.
