Beyond Numbers: Visualising Communities and Connections
In Bloom: Maldives Census adopts a distinctive approach to data visualisation, focusing on the emotional impact of presenting data through visual narratives. It features 208 distinct visualisations, with each piece representing a different locality within the Maldives. Employing phyllotactic patterns that echo the natural arrangement of leaves and flowers, these visualisations depict demographic characteristics such as age groups and sex distributions. It presents statistical data that encapsulates the demographic distribution and community bonds, where children, adults, and elders form interconnected rings of collective reliance. By using spatial arrangements and the density of dots to symbolise demographic details, the project transcends traditional methods of data interpretation. It invites viewers to engage with the data on a more intuitive level, turning abstract numbers into tales of human relationships and the fabric of society. This strategy makes the data particularly resonant for those with personal ties to the depicted localities, enriching the viewer's experience by highlighting the capacity of data to narrate the complexities of the human condition and the bonds within communities.
In this “datafication” era, dominated by an abundance of numbers, statistics, and data, the research of Helen Kennedy and Rosemary Lucy Hill (1) offers a compelling perspective on the importance of emotional responses in the interpretation of data. Contrary to the traditional view that data analysis is anchored in logic and objectivity, Kennedy and Hill illuminate the significant role emotions in our understanding of data. They challenge the notion of data as a purely objective entity, arguing that it is instead shaped by individual perspectives and societal beliefs. This insight is crucial for recognising the varied reactions individuals may have towards data, particularly those without specialised expertise, emphasising the need for a more nuanced approach to data engagement in everyday life.
Kennedy and Hill’s research further examines the contributions of Amanda Cox from The New York Times, a leader in the field of data visualisation. In the project “Mapping America, Every City, Every Block,” Cox illustrates that converting common data into visuals can reveal new insights. Cox describes how these visuals breathe new life into familiar information, enabling people to perceive and experience it from a fresh angle. This case study exemplifies the unique ability of data visualisation to convey information that resonates deeply with its audience, transcending conventional data sharing approaches.
Drawing on the insights of Kennedy and Hill, In Bloom: Maldives Census utilises the emotional and intuitive aspects of data engagement. It serves as an example of how visualising data can establish a meaningful connection between the viewer and the information presented. It alters our perceptions, enhances our understanding, and changes our relationship with data in ways that deeply affect those who have a personal connection to the depicted areas. This approach enriches the data with personal stories and community narratives, making it resonate significantly with individuals familiar with the localities portrayed.
1 Kennedy, Helen, and Rosemary Lucy Hill. 2018. “The Feeling of Numbers: Emotions in Everyday Engagements with Data and Their Visualisation.” Sociology 52 (4): 830–48. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038516674675.
*Authored and designed by Shahee Ilyas.
