Data Visualization

Challenge & Selection

I used Visualization tool, to understand a problem among stakeholders to identify issue and define  solution to the problem. I used this approach to apply innovations to modernize company mission and  provide services to their customers which may provide profit to company. I have used the technique of  using a straw man visualization of a problem domain with a set of questions or prompts for discussion to  allow a diverse group of stakeholders to learn from each other in the process of defining the scope,  boundaries, key elements, and relationships between elements to consider when identifying pain points  and opportunities for improvements or solutions

Application

I have initiated process by building graphic of the problem statement . To build graphic, I have captured  initial existing data or materials available to understand current environment. The existing materials was   operational and procedural documents, training materials, marketing materials and auditing reports. I  worked with existing employees to verify available materials which helps for building graphics. I stated  visual , either based on a high-level process flow with swim lanes for different stakeholders, or another  format. For this  activity, I have divided the stakeholders into groups of participants each representing a  different organization or area of interest. Each group receives a copy of the graphic that they can write  on directly or use sticky notes to make comments. I have given them few questions to answer, such as:  1) What key elements are missing from the graphic? 2) What would you change about the graphic to  make it more accurately reflect your problem space? 3) What key insights do you have about the  relationships between the entities in your problem space? I gave them 30 minutes to discuss the  questions and mark up the graphic. Then I have each group report out on their answers to those three  questions while pointing to the mark-ups on their poster. As each group reports out, I record  commonalities in the insights of each group, and then additional insights that come from the group  discussion on an additional copy of the graphic. After the session, I digitize each group’s poster as an  artifact, create a view that combines the shared and new insights from the group discussion, and then  create a revised graphic that incorporates their feedback and proposed changes that they agreed to as a  group.

Insight & Approach

Based on activities conducted with several groups , the graphic gives the diverse group of stakeholders a  focal point for discussion that allows them to share their perspectives and develop insights into  potential root causes of their problems. While they could create the graphic from a blank slate in a  collaborative manner, starting with a straw man jump starts the conversation for them. They can quickly  identify where they are in the graphic and can more quickly gain new insights about relationships  between key entities instead of taking time to identify them. They can also identify variables in the  problem space and helps them to identify challenges and in what areas they need to obtain information

or data to provide the values for the variables. I would use the visualization activity as a starting point  for a series of design thinking activities. Then the revised graphic that incorporates their combined  feedback can serve as a reference tool throughout the remainder of their work.


Data Visualization Challenge & Selection I used Visualization tool , to understand a problem among stakeholders to identify issue and define solution to the problem . I used this approach to apply innovations to modernize company mission and provide services to their customers which may provide profit to company . I have used the technique of using a straw man visualization of a problem domain with a set of questions or prompts for discussion to allow a diverse group of stakeholders to learn from each other in the process of defining the scope , boundaries , key elements , and relationships between elements to consider when identifying pain points and opportunities for improvements or solutions Application I have initiated process by building graphic of the problem statement . To build graphic , I have captured initial existing data or materials available to understand current environment . The existing materials was operational and procedural documents , training materials , marketing materials and auditing reports . I worked with existing employees to verify available materials which helps for building graphics . I stated visual , either based on a high - level process flow with swim lanes for different stakeholders , or another format . For this activity , I have divided the stakeholders into groups of participants each representing a different organization or area of interest . Each group receives a copy of the graphic that they can write on directly or use sticky notes to make comments . I have given them few questions to answer , such as : 1 ) What key elements are missing from the graphic ? 2 ) What would you change about the graphic to make it more accurately reflect your problem space ? 3 ) What key insights do you have about the relationships between the entities in your problem space ? I gave them 30 minutes to discuss the questions and mark up the graphic . Then I have each group report out on their answers to those three questions while pointing to the mark - ups on their poster . As each group reports out , I record commonalities in the insights of each group , and then additional insights that come from the group discussion on an additional copy of the graphic . After the session , I digitize each group ’s poster as an artifact , create a view that combines the shared and new insights from the group discussion , and then create a revised graphic that incorporates their feedback and proposed changes that they agreed to as a group . Insight & Approach Based on activities conducted with several groups , the graphic gives the diverse group of stakeholders a focal point for discussion that allows them to share their perspectives and develop insights into potential root causes of their problems . While they could create the graphic from a blank slate in a collaborative manner , starting with a straw man jump starts the conversation for them . They can quickly identify where they are in the graphic and can more quickly gain new insights about relationships between key entities instead of taking time to identify them . They can also identify variables in the problem space and helps them to identify challenges and in what areas they need to obtain information or data to provide the values for the variables . I would use the visualization activity as a starting point for a series of design thinking activities . Then the revised graphic that incorporates their combined feedback can serve as a reference tool throughout the remainder of their work .