In 2013, I plan to create something outstanding. I have a few ideas that I've allowed to fester in my mind for far too long. This year I make them a reality.
Choropleth maps and data visualization instacritics
It’s pretty easy to tear down a data visualization. Between Tufte’s traveling show and any number of solid data visualization blogs, we’re creating a hive of instacritics that are currently laying down a path of destruction through unsuspecting visualizers. I try to limit my critiques these days. As easy as it is to tear down […]
It’s a Christmas cartoon clip show!
Apparently this is my 200th freshspectrum post going back to March of 2010 when I started this blog. Looking back it’s been an evolution for sure. To celebrate, I’m going to do what they do on TV, clip show it, Christmas style!
Simple strategy: from 3D bar chart to donut chart
People don’t use pie charts because they think it’s the most effective way to display the data. They use pie charts because it is an acceptable way to add a little color to a technical piece of work. When you look at it this way, 3D pie charts are understandable. They are just jazzier versions […]
Innovators are everywhere
Most companies, academic fields, nonprofits, governments, and associations move forward at a snail's pace. Any attempt to change 'the way' is quickly discouraged. In these environments the null thrives. But there is hope. Within these environments you will also find rogue innovators. People who cannot help but seek to change the status quo. These are […]
Settling for the next best thing
When you need an image for a power point presentation or a training document, what do you do? My guess is that you turn to Google, ultimately ending up with something that sort of fits. Next time try something new. When you need an image, reach for some markers or your camera or open the […]
Invention is only the first step towards innovation
Blogs have been around since the late 90s. But for many academics and professionals the idea of having a blog is still very new. Innovation is most often just the application of past invention in a new context. This is why a lot of innovators don't really think of themselves as such. They're not inventing […]
Does the academic world need a Seuss up?
The Cat in the Hat was written as an alternative to the school primers that were the null in the 1950s. Books like Dick and Jane delivered all the requisite material just without the imagination. If we simply judge the books by what’s covered, there is little difference. But there is more to great communication […]
What did the whos actually know?
It's Christmas season and that means it's time to watch Christmas movies. Ever notice how unfazed the whos are when the Grinch comes down the hill with all the stolen gifts and food? I mean they literally just open up a doorway into their singing circle. It makes you wonder…
Do you have the capacity to fail?
Far too often, failure is not an option. The result, we set ourselves up to never fail. Of course, by extension, we also set ourselves up to never really win. You can't risk failing a school project, it could mess up your GPA. Your organization can't fail, you would be out of a job. But […]
Just a couple of misfits
What is a misfit really? You would think with all the sugar elves consume, to stay on top of their toy making game, having one of their own as a dentist would make perfect sense. Why does it take so long for the other reindeer to see Rudolph’s nose as a useful tool? Oh, that’s […]
How doodles have freed my mind: guest post by Allison Titcomb
The following guest post was written (and doodled) by Allison Titcomb of ALTA Consulting, LLC. You can also find her on Twitter. Reflections on Reflective Process (or How doodles have freed my mind) Hallie Preskill gave a presentation at AEA a few years ago about reflective practice in evaluation. She noted how we can be […]