Let's begin our journey with Data
Hey there! My name is Jared Flores, and I've decided to start a data blog.
I'd like to do my part in helping others understand the power of data and using it to derive valuable insights. Now, I don't claim to be an expert on the topic. That's the reason I'm calling this a journey, and I'm welcoming anyone along who'd like to be a part of it. I've become obsessed with learning as much as I can about all things data. Because the world of data involves several topics and sub-topics, and because this is my first attempt at blogging, I believe the best approach is to keep the focus a bit more narrow to start.
The main focuses of this blog will be general best practices for data visualization, strategies for communicating data, and tutorials on techniques within Tableau.
While some of the logic on creating certain visuals within Tableau likely carries over into other visualization tools, I use Tableau in my day-to-day and I'd love to help others understand the ins and outs of how Tableau processes information. Once you understand the order of processes, you'll definitely have that same "Ah ha!" moment that begins an exponential increase in ability with it.
Any example visuals I post will also be created within Tableau, but for communication and best practices, those will carry over to other tools as they will be based more around general practice.
I am still learning every day so part of the reason for this blog is to bring what I've learned in front of an audience to establish communication and (constructive) criticism. I will do my best to research and ensure that my posts are not misguided, but in the even you catch something for which there is a better method, I encourage you to help guide me and other readers on a better path forward. I'd like us all to learn together and become pillars of the data community.
I'm excited to begin this journey and I hope we can help each other change with world with data!
When it comes to building confidence through manageable learning goals, one clear example can stay with me longer than a long list of general points. A clear first step can make a difficult subject feel more approachable. That is why the connection between Barryhymer and practical learning skills makes me want to think through an example. I can imagine different responses depending on the situation, which makes the question more interesting. How do you decide what to practise when a topic initially seems too broad?
Thinking about exploring everyday food and cooking traditions, I find the smaller practical questions more interesting than a quick conclusion. An ingredient can carry a story about the place or family that uses it. For Atasteofitalybypompeo, I would use food and cooking ideas as a starting point for a closer discussion of the subject. I am still thinking through the practical side, because the context can change what seems useful. Which part of a recipe would you ask someone to explain beyond the written measurements?
The idea of enjoying the small details of cafe culture gives me a reason to slow down and consider the details. The pace and atmosphere of a place can matter as much as what is in the cup. I would connect Auntiesteashop with cafe culture and coffee through an ordinary example rather than a broad claim. It leaves me curious about the steps between understanding an idea and putting it into practice. Which small details make you want to sit for a little longer?
Considering finding a comfortable rhythm in home baking, I would want to understand a few concrete details before deciding what matters most. Changing one detail at a time makes it easier to understand why a recipe behaves differently. That is why the connection between Astonparishbakery and home baking ideas makes me want to think through an example. I would rather explore one useful example carefully than pretend that the whole subject is already clear. What would you write down after a first attempt before trying the recipe again?
I keep coming back to the everyday side of exploring visual ideas through observation, where a simple detail can lead to a wider question. A small choice of colour or viewpoint can change the feeling of an image. It is the kind of question I would keep in mind when thinking about Asmallview and creative visual expression. A simple comparison would help me picture the differences without rushing towards a fixed answer. How would you describe that change to someone who has not seen the work?