Andrew Staroscik Expert in analytics and data visualization | Helping turn data into actionable insights https://github.com/josh-collinsworth/sveltekit-blog-starter https://staroscik.com/writings/the-power-of-preattentive-attributes The Power of Preattentive Attributes https://staroscik.com/writings/the-power-of-preattentive-attributes When used effectively in charts, preattentive attributes command attention, instantly drawing viewers' eyes to the elements the designer highlights. Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/how-we-count How We Count https://staroscik.com/writings/how-we-count While our numbering system allows us to describe large values, we don't actually count very high. Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/careless-use-of-color Use Color with Care https://staroscik.com/writings/careless-use-of-color When using color to add visual interest to a chart, be sure it does not distract from the message. Thu, 26 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/datas-point-of-view Data has a Point of View https://staroscik.com/writings/datas-point-of-view How we aggregate, process, and present data shapes its meaning. Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/line-charts-slope-perception How slope affects perception of differences in line charts https://staroscik.com/writings/line-charts-slope-perception Sometimes, even the most familiar visuals can deceive us in surprising ways. The common line chart is no exception. Sun, 15 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/sdoh-kpi-card Making KPI Cards for Social Determinants of Health https://staroscik.com/writings/sdoh-kpi-card The US Census API makes it easy to download data. Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/use-of-marks-in-charts How Marks Encode Data https://staroscik.com/writings/use-of-marks-in-charts Not all data visualizations are created equal. Knowing how data is encoded into charts can ensure your audience easily grasps key comparisons. Sat, 07 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/chart-reading-learned-skill Chart Reading is a Learned Skill https://staroscik.com/writings/chart-reading-learned-skill Charts rely on symbolic representations to communicate meaning. Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/stacked-bar-charts The limits of stacked bar charts https://staroscik.com/writings/stacked-bar-charts Stacked bar charts are a common approach to comparing values across different categories, but before using them it is important to understand their limitations. Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/physicalization-of-2024-growing-season Physicalization of 2024 Growing Season https://staroscik.com/writings/physicalization-of-2024-growing-season Making data physical. Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/us-carbon-emissions-over-time U.S. Energy Sector Carbon Dioxide Emissions Over Time https://staroscik.com/writings/us-carbon-emissions-over-time In order to acheive the US's target of net zero by 2050 carbon dioxide emissions need to ... Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/use-color-to-draw-attention Use of color in data visualizations https://staroscik.com/writings/use-color-to-draw-attention Use of color to guide attention Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/why-reference-points-matter-in-visual-communication Why Reference Points Matter in Visual Communication https://staroscik.com/writings/why-reference-points-matter-in-visual-communication What this familiar optical illusion tell us about perception, and how it can help make data presentations more effective. Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/gardens-of-forking-data Gardens of Forking Data https://staroscik.com/writings/gardens-of-forking-data What an influencer’s mistake about probability reveals about the limits of our intuition—and how we can avoid similar errors. Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/mean-vs-median Mean vs median: choosing the right measure for your data story https://staroscik.com/writings/mean-vs-median The mean and median are commonly used summary statistics to communicate the middle of a set of values. Choosing the right one requires understanding how your data’s structure influences these measures of central tendency. Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/the-challenge-with-zip-codes Challenges with using zip code data https://staroscik.com/writings/the-challenge-with-zip-codes Zip code data is all around. But, before you work with it, make sure you know how it relates to specific populations of interest. Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/how-to-use-color-in-datavis How to use color in data visualizations https://staroscik.com/writings/how-to-use-color-in-datavis Want to boost your charts’ impact? Start with color! Discover four strategic approaches to enhance your visualizations and captivate your audience. Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/watons-selection-task What this simple challenge tells us about how we make sense of the world https://staroscik.com/writings/watons-selection-task The Watson selection task is often used to demonstrate cognitive biases. However, its real value lies in showing how storytelling can increase your audience's engagement and supercharge their ability to make sense of complex patterns. Sat, 15 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://staroscik.com/writings/when-baselines-matter Two questions to help you decide where to start your axes https://staroscik.com/writings/when-baselines-matter Most of us have seen examples of how non-zero baselines on charts can mislead. Unfortunately, this knowledge can lead to an insistence on starting all axes at zero, even when some other value would improve the chart. Asking a few simple questions can help determine if a zero baseline is the best choice for your visualization. Invalid Date