Tools for Developing Data Literacy

This e-text has focused on methods for strengthening connections between the viewer and the numbers. Developing data visualizations, incorporating these visualizations into data-driven infographics, and making use of storytelling elements have all shown to take your viewer on a journey that goes well beyond simply reading graphs. Yet two important questions still remain: What tools are available for writers to design data visualizations and infographics? Additionally, where can writers easily obtain relevant data to incorporate into their work?

Data Visualization Tools

Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets are two tools that can aid in data visualization. Since these tools are both commonly used in corporations and classrooms, most writers will have likely already worked with them before (Stobierski). Despite the fact that Excel and Sheets are primarily designed for maintaining spreadsheets, they each come with built in data visualization capabilities. Excel features roughly 19 different chart options, while Google Sheets includes 17. One strength of these tools is the wide range of visualization options. Another strength is their ease of access. As mentioned above, many schools and companies make use of Excel, while Google Sheets simply requires a free Google account to access. While Excel and Sheets are great for creating data visualizations, they lack the ability to incorporate these visualizations into infographics.

In terms of infographic designing, there are two free tools that stand out. The first is Infogram, which offers an array of infographic templates and chart types. On top of data visualizations, Infogram also allows the user to incorporate previously made charts and graphs into an infographic (Stobierski). One major downside to Infogram is that a payment is required to download a finished infographic. Like many of the previously mentioned tools, Infogram has multiple versions, including Standard, Pro, Team, Business, and Enterprise. Paid versions are required to download your creations, although you can still share your infographic with others by sending a public link.

A similar infographic designing tool is Canva. Unlike Infogram, Canva allows users to download their finished infographics for free. However, there is still a paid version of Canva that includes bonus features to enhance your infographics even further. Nonetheless, Canva’s free version is a great tool for designing custom infographics. Canva also features data visualization options. These visualizations can be used to create data-driven (and story-driven) infographics.