> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://vikram-bajaj.gitbook.io/cs-gy-6313-information-visualization/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://vikram-bajaj.gitbook.io/cs-gy-6313-information-visualization/exploring-data.md).

# Exploring Data

## Telling Stories with Data

Based on the video: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoQ2_vpnjE4>

When we create a visualization, we are not telling a story; we are just making a point. A story needs to have **emotion** and a **meaningful climax**. The climax need not even be fully comprehensible, but it is vital to a story.

7 types of stories (according to the book 'The Seven Basic Plots' by Christopher Booker):

* Overcoming the Monster
* Rebirth
* Rags to Riches
* Voyage and Return
* Comedy
* Tragedy
* The Quest

### Story Structure Types

* **The Hero's Journey** (Joseph Campbell)

  ![](https://612062878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M5-0RG_uqhxyMNjpMUW%2F-M5-0SvQ45Rarxg8L2lA%2F-M5-0V3Qs8qvQXGFjW4C%2Fheros_journey.png?generation=1586990822607545\&alt=media)
* **Kurt Vonnegut's Story Structure**

  ![](https://612062878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M5-0RG_uqhxyMNjpMUW%2F-M5-0SvQ45Rarxg8L2lA%2F-M5-0V3S3T_yWuAAnRaV%2Fkurt.png?generation=1586990822514751\&alt=media)
* **Freytag's Pyramid**

  This is usually used to show the structure of a dramatic work, sich as a play or film, but isn't suited for storytelling through data. This is because 'Falling Action' and 'Resolution' do not make sense in the context of data.

  ![](https://612062878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M5-0RG_uqhxyMNjpMUW%2F-M5-0SvQ45Rarxg8L2lA%2F-M5-0V3UQaXY3lidV9M9%2Fpyramid.png?generation=1586990822873236\&alt=media)

### Annotation, Narration and Story

These are three terms that must not be used interchangeably.

**Annotation** is when labels are added to visualizations to help the viewer better comprehend the visualization.

A **narration** guides the viewer through a visualization or a series of visualizations.

A **story** builds on top of a narrative and has emotions and a meaningful climax.

![](https://612062878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-M5-0RG_uqhxyMNjpMUW%2F-M5-0SvQ45Rarxg8L2lA%2F-M5-0V3WxoSTQlfYXi5D%2Fa_n_s.png?generation=1586990822678567\&alt=media)

### Repetition, Pictures and Story

Derived from <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWASJxLVdY0>

**Repetition** of key aspects transfers the concepts from short-term memory to long-term memory in the minds of the viewers.

**Pictures** provide visual impact and aid visual memory: people remeber not just what they heard, but also what they saw.

The **story** is the most important part, it conveys a message, makes the viewer feel emotions and has a meaningful climax.