In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information, understanding and making sense of data has become increasingly important. Data visualization has emerged as a powerful tool to help us better comprehend complex information, and yet, it remains a challenge for many.

In this podcast episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Alan Smith OBE, the Head of Visual and Data Journalism at The Financial Times and author of "How Charts Work". Alan is one of the leading experts in the field of data visualization, and in our conversation, he shares his insights on the importance of visual storytelling and how it can help us better understand the world around us.

We start by exploring the reasons why people struggle with numbers, and how we can make data more approachable and fun. Alan's unique perspective on how to present data in a way that is both informative and engaging will transform the way you think about numbers.

As we delve deeper into the conversation, we discuss the role of news organizations in combating fake news and educating the public on the realities of data. Alan shares his thoughts on the challenges faced by news organizations in navigating the world of data, and how they can use data visualization to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner.

We also talk about Alan's work at the Financial Times, where he leads a team of data visualization experts. From what he looks for in his team to the importance of a consistent design style, Alan gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create compelling visual content.

Finally, we discuss Alan's book "How Charts Work", where he takes readers on a journey through the world of data visualization. He shares his inspiration for the book, and why he believes it is an essential read for anyone interested in data and visualization.

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the power of visual storytelling with one of the industry's leading experts.

Links from the interview
FT Visual Vocabulary - https://ft-interactive.github.io/visual-vocabulary/
Tableau Visual Vocabulary - https://www.vizwiz.com/2018/07/visual-vocabulary.html
The Graphic Continuum - https://policyviz.com/2014/09/09/graphic-continuum/
How Charts Work - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chart-Doctor-Alan-Smith/dp/129234279X
FT Covid-19 Visualization - https://ig.ft.com/coronavirus-global-data/
FT Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/financialtimes/?hl=en

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Alan Smith OBE is the Head of Visual and Data Journalism at The Financial Times.

Alan Smith leads the FT's newsroom team of data reporters and visual journalists. A data visualisation specialist, his TEDx talk Why You Should Love Statistics was featured on TED.com in 2017 and has been viewed over 2 million times. In October 2022, Alan authored How Charts Work, a handbook on designing with data using the FT's principles.

Before he joined the FT, he was head of digital content at the UK Office for National Statistics where he was awarded an OBE in 2011 for services to official statistics.

Connect with Alan Smith
Website - https://www.ft.com/alan-smith
Twitter - https://twitter.com/theboysmithy
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-smith-obe-37385935/

Connect with me
LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andykriebel
Twitter - https://twitter.com/VizWizBI
Website - https://www.vizwiz.com/
More episodes - https://www.dualaxispodcast.com/

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