The data visualization community consists of people who use data and design to tackle a variety of issues and challenges. Outside of a few specific blogs and tutorials however, there isn’t a place where that community can provide in-depth comments and criticism on data visualization projects. This site is designed to facilitate discussion, debate, and collaboration from the data visualization community.

The site is open to anyone who is searching for feedback on their visualization designs, from seasoned designers and data visualization specialists to individual analysts searching to improve their graphic displays. All types of visualizations are welcome: simple, single line or bar charts to full-blown infographics to interactive visualizations.

How it works: Send the following information to :

• Your name;
• A static image of your visualization (plus the website address for interactive visualizations);
• Your data (preferably in an easy-to-use format); and
• A brief explanation of the challenges or problems you face to. This can include technical challenges as well, for example to seek advice as to whether it would be easier to create the visualization in a different tool. (Even if you don’t know what challenges you face, but are still seeking advice, that’s fine too.)

Readers will be able to post comments, revisions, or sketches to help improve your project.

My hope is that we will all treat each other with respect and provide constructive feedback. Racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, or any other type of –ist or –phobic comments will not be tolerated. I will try to moderate the comments best I can, but please let me know if I miss someone acting out of line.

I look forward to seeing what comes of this and please follow the progress on Twitter @HelpMeViz.

Thanks,
Jon

PS. If you’re wondering who is running this site, I am an economist with the federal government who also creates policy-relevant data visualizations. I also conduct workshops on data visualization and presentation techniques. More information about my work and my workshops is available at www.PolicyViz.com and you can follow me on Twitter @jschwabish.