HW2 ‐ 4 Websites Data Visualizers Should Bookmark - yentingw-gin/BIDD330_Spring2025_Reporting GitHub Wiki

Translating complex data into clear, easy-to-understand visuals isn’t always straightforward. It often takes time, iteration, and inspiration. To help with that process, here are four websites that BI professionals can turn to for ideas, best practices, and visual storytelling techniques when designing dashboards or presenting data.

1. FiveThirtyEight

FiveThirtyEight (or “538” for short) is a hub for data-driven discussion about politics, sports, science, and economics. The site is known for its dashboard-style visuals, which makes complex data easy to digest.

While the original site shut down in 2024, the good news is that much of its content lives on. You can still access many of the original datasets at data.fivethirtyeight.com, and browse archived versions of the full site via the Wayback Machine, with all its gorgeous charts and narratives.

How to navigate

  • Go to data.fivethirtyeight.com
  • Pick a topic that intrests you, and click info
  • Find the README.md file inside the dataset folder. It oftens include the links to the original articles
  • Explore articles to see how authors use visuals to present data effectively
  • Use the WayBack Machine to access the archived versions if the format of the current website is difficult to navigate (example)

2. Storytelling With Data

Storytelling With Data helps professionals master the fundamentals of data visualization and, more importantly, learn how to communicate effectively with data. Their blog covers a wide range of topics, including best practices, design processes, the reasoning behind effective visuals, and more!

Interesting Reads

3. Flerlage Twins

The Flerlage Twins' blog is a must-read for Tableau users. The site is packed with advanced Tableau tips, creative chart ideas, and downloadable templates. The founders, Kevin and Ken Flerlage, frequently share step-by-step tutorials that break down complex visualizations, making it easier to learn new techniques and apply them in your dashboards.

Interesting Reads

4. Information is Beautiful

This website is good source for infographic inspiration. It showcases a wide variety of beautiful visualizations that turn complex topics into clear, engaging visuals. It’s a great place to explore creative layout ideas, color palettes, and visual storytelling techniques—perfect for sparking ideas when designing dashboards or data presentations.

Intresting Reads