Ethnicity Populations in America
Photo Credit: Big Data Made Simple (link)
Although the data from the US Census Data Logs can be through and informative, the data is neither easy to decipher nor simple to synthesize. Being able to successfully draw relationships, identify themes and/or to uncover the the 'hidden' meaning behind the data is the very reason for the data's existence in the first place. In order to improve the usability and functionality of the data by restructuring the information into visualizations.
Data Consolidation:
From left to right, in alphabetical order: Each line represents a state and each color, an ethnicity population in the USA.
The first step was to understand the data at hand so to kill two birds with one stone, while I was extracting the data set from the bureau's website, I also re-organized the information into a basic Excel chart so I could go through the stats incrementally as well.
After which, I utilized color as a resource to help identify any insights or conclusions that could be drawn from the data. Often, I find that by experimenting with how the data set can be manipulated or viewed, ideas and inspiration can come forth.
If each state was "a piece of pie", perhaps each subset of data can be part of each slice. When you have a slice of pie, eat bite is ever so slightly different, so why not apply that notion to the data set?
IDEATION & INSPIRATION:
Photo Credit: Hugo Aitken via Unsplash (link)
If each bite of a slice of pie was an ethnic population group, how would that look? Would the graphic show the relationships of the data well?
DESIGN & CREATION:
By utilizing geometric calculations to manipulate the data into a radial figure, I was able to consolidate the information to something more accessible to the viewer at first glance. During this design & creation process, I experimented with with multiple color palettes in an attempt to add additional layers of information representation to help the viewer draw further conclusions from the data set. Regional data was heavily explored as I found many relationships and themes that told a story beyond the numbers from the chart.
The entire process of designing and creating this visualization was done on Adobe Illustrator.
THE FINAL RESULT:
A brand new look for the Census data set! Now with a fresh visual map of the information, the viewer and audience can more easily draw conclusions and insights from the data set.
The visualization shows each “slice of America” in alphabetical order but also classifies the different regions using color as well. By designing the info-graphic this way, the viewer can use the visual cues designed based on the visual principles of hierarchy and pattern.
An updated information visualization of America’s population by ethnicity is available. Please reach out directly to me through the Contact page.