The PolicyViz Podcast

In this episode of the PolicyViz Podcast, I speak with Yanni Loukissas, an Associate Professor at Georgia Tech, about the importance of context in working with data. Yanni argues that data are not universal but local—shaped by their origins, environments, and the intentions of those who collect them. Our conversation dives into how this perspective challenges dominant narratives in data science, particularly the assumption that datasets are neutral or universally applicable. We also discuss how design and storytelling can play a role in exposing the situated nature of data and how educators and practitioners can better teach and communicate these ideas.Keywords: Yanni Loukissas, PolicyViz Podcast, data visualization, data context, data storytelling, situated data, data ethics, data science, data politics, Georgia Tech, Jon Schwabish, design and data, local data, neutral data myth, data literacy, communicating data, data education, critical data studies, data and power, podcast interviewSubscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a monthCheck out Yanni’s website and read his book, All Data are LocalFollow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTubeEmail: jon@policyviz.com

In this week’s episode of the PolicyViz Podcast, I sit down with data visualization expert Moritz Stefaner to reflect on his journey in the field. We discuss Stefaner's work on the Data Stories Podcast, his shift from bespoke data visualization projects to scalable design systems, and his collaborations with organizations like the World Health Organization. Moritz shares insights on the evolution of data visualization trends, the importance of clear communication, and the challenges of building sustainable design frameworks.Keywords: Data visualization, Moritz Stefaner, PolicyViz Podcast, Data Stories Podcast, Design systems, Data journalism, WHO design language, Data communication, AI transcription, Data storytellingmathematics, Al, machine learningSubscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a monthExplore all of Mortiz’s amazing work on his websiteFollow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTubeEmail: jon@policyviz.com

Davina Stanley, a communication expert and owner of Clarity First, shares her insights on crafting clear messages in business. She discusses the transformative power of structured messaging, highlighting how it builds trust and streamlines decision-making. Davina recounts her unique journey from teaching kindergarten to consulting at McKinsey, using her experience to emphasize the importance of audience understanding. She also touches on the evolving role of AI in communication, stressing that clarity remains essential amidst technological advancements.

In this week’s episode of the PolicyViz Podcast, I speak with Braden Crooks, co-founder of Designing the We, about their project Undesign the Redline, an interactive exhibit that explores the history and lasting impact of redlining in the U.S. Braden shares how his background in landscape architecture and urban design led him to develop this project, which combines research, storytelling, and community engagement. He discusses the importance of making history tangible through physical exhibits, the role of public participation in shaping the narrative, and the upcoming digital expansion of the project. We also discuss how organizations can bring Undesign the Redline to their communities, using it as a tool for education, dialogue, and activism.Keywords: data, data visualization, Redlining, Undesign the Redline, Urban policy, Structural inequality, Community engagement, Designing the We, Interactive exhibit, Storytelling in policy, Housing discrimination, Urban history, Social justice, Data visualization, Public participation, Community organizing, Historical inequities, Urban renewal, Environmental advocacy, Fair housing, Policy storytelling, Systemic racismSubscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a monthCheck out Braden’s work and Designing the We on their websiteFollow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTubeEmail: jon@policyviz.com

Rich Harris, creator of the Svelte framework, stops by the podcast to talk about his work. Rich shares how Svelte originated from his work in newsrooms at The Guardian and The New York Times, where he developed tools for building interactive data visualizations under tight deadlines. We talk about how Svelte simplifies web development by bridging the gap between HTML/CSS knowledge and interactive applications, making it accessible to both experienced and novice developers. Our chat touches on the broader impact of Svelte, including its adoption in diverse applications like DataWrapper and smart TV interfaces. Rich reflects on the responsibility and challenges of leading an open-source project like Svelte and discusses the ongoing focus on SvelteKit, an application framework built on Svelte, and highlights accessible resources for beginners to get started.Keywords: Svelte, SvelteKit, RichHarris, WebDevelopment, Open-Source Framework, DataVisualization, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, User Interface Framework, Interactive Applications, Newsroom Graphics, DataWrapper, Declarative Programming, Web AccessibilitySubscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a monthCheck out Rich’s website visit the Svelte development websiteFollow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTubeEmail: jon@policyviz.com

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you’re having a great start to 2025 and are poised to have a happy, healthy, and successful year. I’m excited to start off the podcast this year with my friend Kevin Wee, a Tableau creator and visualizer, who shares his journey into data visualization. Kevin’s Tableau journey starts in 2019 at Purdue University where he faced challenges working with data, but grew in his ability to create interesting and engaging dashboards through creative projects and community involvement. Kevin and I talk about his approach to Tableau, how he incorporates other tools like Figma, PowerPoint, and Excel, and how he is using AI tools to help create better and better data tools. I hope you’ll enjoy this week’s episode of the show!Keywords: data, data visualization, PolicyVizPodcast, JonSchwabisch, KevinWee, Tableau, DataVisualization, TableauCreator, PurdueUniversity, BiomedicalProject, DataCareer, TableauPublic, MakeoverMonday, TableauAmbassador, DataTools, PowerPoint, Excel, TableauCommunity, Figma, InteractiveDashboards, TalkDataPodcastToMe, DataPodcasts, ChatGPT, SalesforceIntegration, AIDevelopment, DataIntegrity, DataHarmonization, DataAnalysts, FutureAmbitionsSubscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a monthFollow Kevin’s Tableau Public page and check out his website.Follow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTubeEmail: jon@policyviz.com

David Keyes, author of "R for the Rest of Us," shares insights on using R for data communication and visualization, aimed at those without a strong statistics background. He demystifies R, discussing how to create consistent and visually appealing outputs using R Markdown and Quarto. David also explores qualitative analysis in R, automation for data sharing, and the power of R in enhancing workflows. With practical tips for beginners, listeners will feel empowered to embrace data visualization without the intimidation of complex statistics!

In this captivating discussion, John Medina, author of the influential book Brain Rules, shares his insights on brain science and communication. He highlights how storytelling can capture attention and enhance emotional engagement, making presentations more effective. Medina also addresses the myth of multitasking, stressing its detrimental impact on learning. Additionally, he explores the challenges smartphones pose to student focus and retention, offering strategies to combat distractions. This fascinating talk sheds light on the intersection of neuroscience and effective communication.

Join Dr. Laura Sicola, a cognitive linguist and communications expert, as she dives into the art of effective presentation. She discusses the 'expert’s curse' and how technical professionals can enhance communication by tailoring their messages for broader audiences. Learn about the significance of storytelling to establish executive presence and build rapport. Dr. Sicola also shares practical tips on slide design, vocal delivery, and audience engagement, helping listeners convey complex ideas clearly and compellingly.

I’m so excited to welcome Ellen Lupton to the PolicyViz Podcast! Ellen Lupton is a designer, writer, and educator. The all-new edition of her bestselling book Thinking with Type launched in March 2024. Other books include Design Is Storytelling, Graphic Design Thinking, Health Design Thinking, and Extra Bold: A Feminist, Inclusive, Anti-Racist, Nonbinary Field Guide for Graphic Designers. She teaches in the Graphic Design MFA program at Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore (MICA), where she serves as the Betty Cooke and William O. Steinmetz Design Chair. She is Curator Emerita at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City, where her exhibitions included Herbert Bayer: Bauhaus Master and The Senses: Design Beyond Vision.Keywords: #EllenLupton, #Typography, #Design, #PolicyVizPodcast, #InclusiveDesign, #TypefaceVsFont, #DataVisualization, #ExtraBoldBook, #GraphicDesign, #Underrepresentation, #FintechDesign, #SocioeconomicImpact, #EducationalApproaches, #QualitativeResearch, #UserEngagement, #HumanCenteredDesign, #MICADesign, #BilingualProjects, #InstagramDesign, #TwitterDiscourse, #AIDesignConcerns, #BiasInAI, #AITypefaces, #UnderservedLanguages, #NewRailAlphabet, #FunctionalTypefaces, #WomenInDesign, #CalibriCritique, #TimesNewRoman, #ThinkingWithType, #DesignConceptsSubscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a monthFollow Ellen on Instagram and her website, and find her latest book, thinking with type on AmazonFollow me on Instagram,  LinkedIn,  Substack,  Twitter,  Website,  YouTubeEmail: jon@policyviz.com