Leveraging storytelling in visual analytics by redesigning the user interface

Abstract: Storytelling is a way of packaging the knowledge and insights gained from analyzing statistical data. The knowledge is transformed into a format that lends itself to be understood by non-experts more easily. The story with links to interactive diagrams. The purpose of this design study was to improve the interaction design of the storytelling feature. The target audience for the new design was intermediate users. Evaluation of the current design by interviewing and observing beginner and intermediate users gave valuable understanding about the users goals related to the storytelling feature. The new design is a product from design goals derived from the user data and research through design. Sketching and exploring possible solutions was a process that meant producing multiple sketches, documenting design decisions through annotations and a way of keeping track of trade-offs and compromises. Screenshots from the application containing the redesigned interface of the storytelling feature was used during a final evaluation. Developers, a user and the designer evaluated the new design through a pluralistic usability walkthrough. The result showed that the new design had improved the storytelling feature in some aspects but that new problems had emerged. This indicates that interaction design processes should contain iterations. Designs should be tested, redesigned and tested again together with users and stakeholder to ensure that user goals are fulfilled, that design goals are reached and that the feature will deliver a positive user experience.