Pascal Ramaekers, Statistics Netherlands

Statistical Storytelling with Infographics

Aguascalientes, Mexico December 4th, 2013

New challenges for statistical agencies

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More possibilities

More competition

More expectations

More possibilities

More complexity

Information overload

Res-ponse!

Responses by statistical agencies

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Coherence Essence

Understan-

dability

Attractive-ness

Infographics

Social Media

Apps, etc.

New expectations.... ...ask for new statistical output...

...also because around 90% of the information to the brain is visual!

Infographics

– Many definitions

– In this presentation: “static” infographics for publication

– Four core elements >>>

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Example: Dutch exports to the EU, publication Statistics Netherlands

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Dutch exports to new EU-members grew fast...

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...especially to Poland and Czech Republic...

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Economy size and distance explain EU-orientation Dutch exports...

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...but non-EU-countries are becoming more and more important...

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...which is in line with higher economic growth outside than inside EU...

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...nevertheless, the Netherlands are still very EU-oriented...

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... and the EU also creates most export profits for the Netherlands.

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Total exports contribute 31,5% to Dutch GDP.

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To consider, when planning to tell a statistical story with infographics...

1. Reliable data and a well-chosen story are most essential, but

don’t underestimate the importance of attractive design!

2. Answer one (in society relevant) core question

3. Tell all sides of the story, but don’t make it too long!

4. Make it personal, use metaphors

5. Accept it’s a time-consuming process as it is very difficult to

make complex data very accessible!

6. Accept the trade-off between perfection and accessibility

7. Do it, it’s definitely worthwhile!

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