Tableau Software: Finding and Telling Stories with Data

• Activity Number: 445
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Graphics
• Author(s): Jock D. Mackinlay*+
• Companies: Tableau Software
• Keywords: visualization ; interaction ; user interfaces ; visual analysis ; databases ; storytelling

Abstract

In recent years, interactive graphical visualization has begun to move from research labs into widespread use. Our vision is that everyone will be able to find stories in their data and tell their stories on the web with interactive visualizations as easily as they now share images and video. To that end, we have developed an algebra that describes visualizations of data including tables, charts, graphics, maps, time series and small-multiple views of data. The algebra is the foundation of an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for rapidly finding stories in data. This interface is in widespread use. The algebra also has the important property that it compiles into database queries, which connects the visual interface to most database technology including very large databases. Users can also use this interface to author interactive applications to the web to tell stories with their data. We are developing a platform for storytelling with data that scales to large data sets and the audience sizes of the web.