Is it strange that I’m in research but my greatest heroes are puppeteers, cartoonists, and kids’ book authors? I’ve been reading and watching a lot of Jim Henson stuff lately. I bet if he had lived another decade, with his love for new media and experimentation, he would have been tearing it up on the web. […]
Articles
New Year’s ambition: to create something outstanding
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 […]