Interactive visualization of statistical information

1. Interactive visualization of statistical information OECD / ISTAT Seminar on Dynamic Graphics for Presenting Statistical Indicators Rome, 5 – 6 March 2007 Hans-Joachim Mittag University of Hagen, Germany joachim.mittag@fernuni-hagen.de www.fernuni-hagen.de/jmittag/en

2. Interactive visualization of statistical information 1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics” 2. Applications to official statistics Dynamic data presentation Interactive publication 3.Outlook Combining data and interactive maps Virtual libraries for the public

3. 1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics” • E-learning project for statistics education funded by the German government (until 2004) • Consortium of 10 German universities • Covers all topics of an introductory statistics course • Goal: Improving the quality of statistics education →www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics

4. 1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics” Development of e-learning modules for statistics education (mainly for use at universities) Pillars of the e-modules: Statistical Lab: ad-hoc analyses of user-defined data sets Interactive experiments and simulations(Java): “trying out” statistical methods Animations (Flash): explanation of statistical theory Case studies: “Real” life problems / data sets from different sciences →www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics Java applets: link “Library ..“ Publications: link „Project-related ..“

5. 1. Starting point: The multimedia project “New Statistics” Examples (interactive visualization of statistical theory) Virtual coin experiment: “Playing“ with distribution parameters: → Illustration

6. 2. Applications to official statistics Transfer: Educational world → Official statistics Statistics education: Interactive experiments / simulations (user-controlled exploration of statistical methods) → Official statistics: Interactive visualization of data / indicators (user-controlled exploration of data sets)

7. 2. Applications to official statistics Examples (interactive visualization of data sets): Unemployment rates in Europe European e-Business Index

8. 2. Applications to official statistics Examples (interactive visualization of data sets): Capital-city regions Gross earnings in Europe → Illustration

9. 2 . Applications to official statistics Design principles for interactive data visualization • Design as self-contained mini learning worlds Example: Start with graphical data presentation but do not hide numerical information and meta data • Support user-controlled data exploration Example: Provision of different graphical instruments enabling the user to discover key information behind the data • Avoid information overload and superficial show effects Examples: not too many graphs simultaneously, cautious use of colours, no blinking data points

10. 2 . Applications to official statistics Why Java-based? • Usually no “plug-in” needed • Standardized programming, use of class libraries • Platform independence, online and offline use possible • Almost unlimited technical possibilities: animation (dynamic pyramids), inclusion of interactive maps combination with content based on other platforms (Flash, SVG), database connection

11. 2 . Applications to official statistics Stand-alone use of Java applets: Online: Via Web sites of statistical offices http://forum.europa.eu.int/irc/dsis/wages/info/data/index.htm Offline: Dynamic PowerPoint presentation (press conferences) CD-ROMs/ DVDscomplementing printed publications Example:Eurostat Yearbook on Regions 2003

12. 2 . Applications to official statistics Use of Java applets as part of Web publications: Added value of interactivity

13. 2 . Applications to official statistics Use of Java applets as part of Web publications (cont.): http://forum.europa.eu.int/irc/dsis/wages/info/data/interactive.htm → Illustration

14. 3 . Outlook • The approach presented is only a starting point for further development and refinement, preferably with experienced partners. • Next steps: • Interface “large database – Java applets”(automatic updating) • Integration of export and print functionalities • Combination of Java and SVG developments • Animation of Java applets as long as animation contributes • to a better understanding of the data • Virtual libraries containing elements for data visualization • (in particular: “eye-catcher” based on international data)

15. 3 . Outlook Virtual libraries containing elements for interactive data visualization sharing betweendifferent content providers (national / supranational statistical offices, educational institutions); use for statistical training “Eye-catcher” based on international data Examples: Interactive graphs for key indicators Dynamic maps + information on indicators Animated presentation of indicators over time Interactive online publications for the public

16. Web links: • http://www.fernuni-hagen.de/newstatistics • → Path “Library .. / Official statistics” • http://forum.europa.eu.int/Public/irc/dsis/wages/information • → Link “Interactive visualization of statistical information” • → Link “Interactive publications” • Cooperation partners wanted !