Category Archives: DataViz

Here you’ll find tips and tricks for #dataviz and examples of data visualization.

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  Don’t miss the miracle of Tableau: It’s more than just DataViz!

  Posted on May 4, 2017 by Joshua Milligan in All, DataViz, Storytelling & Commentary.

  I was part of a conversation recently where something like this was said: “We need a data model that will bring all of our data together so that we can analyze risk and do predictive analytics… No, just build the model, don’t worry about using Tableau – we’ll do that after you build the model […]

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  Design technique for Tableau dashboards: semi-transparent images

  Posted on April 13, 2017 by Joshua Milligan in All, Dashboards, DataViz, Fun, Pushing the Limits, Storytelling & Commentary, Tips and Tricks.

  Wow! I’m still stunned to have won the first IronViz feeder contest for 2017! And excited! And humbled. And honored.  Wow!  Thank you to everyone who has had kind words of encouragement! You can read some broad description of my entry here: The Changing Shape of History: From the Colonies to the United States.  In […]

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  The Changing Shape of History: From the Colonies to the United States

  Posted on March 23, 2017 by Joshua Milligan in All, Dashboards, DataViz, Mapping / Geographic Visualization, New Features, Storytelling & Commentary.

  I previously shared the fun I had with Tableau 10.2’s ability to connect to spatial files. In that case, I used historic shape files from the Newberry Library’ repository of historical county boundaries files.  When I saw that the first Iron Viz feeder contest would feature spatial file visualization, I knew I already had an interesting data […]

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  Storytelling with Data Visualization

  Posted on March 17, 2017 by Joshua Milligan in All, DataViz, Storytelling & Commentary.

  Recently, I gave a presentation on storytelling with data visualization. I described the elements of a story, how to leverage the power of telling stories, and how to avoid dangers of data storytelling. Here is the story I shared:

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  4 Dangers to Avoid in Data Storytelling

  Posted on March 13, 2017 by Joshua Milligan in All, DataViz, Storytelling & Commentary.

  Stories are powerful. They connect an audience with people, facts, emotions and action. They help us understand difficult concepts and relationships. They help us make connections between things we wouldn’t otherwise. And we remember stories far better than we remember raw facts. Quick: list the last five vice presidents of the United States. Now tell […]

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  Fun with spatial files in Tableau 10.2

  Posted on February 22, 2017 by Joshua Milligan in All, Dashboards, Data Blending & Joining, DataViz, Dates, Fun, Mapping / Geographic Visualization, New Features, Storytelling & Commentary.

  Tableau 10.2 is almost here! And it’s time to celebrate! One thing I’ve always wanted to do in Tableau is create interactive historical maps that changed based on the selected time-frame. We are fairly familiar with the shape of things now – countries, states, counties – but how did things look in the past? What […]

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  #Data16 Presentation: Fun or Serious? How to use both to improve your dashboards

  Posted on November 16, 2016 by Joshua Milligan in All, DataViz, Storytelling & Commentary.

  Tableau Conference 2016 is over and I’m still digesting everything I saw, giddy with excitement over the new features that were previewed, and already looking forward to seeing everyone again at #Data17 in Vegas!   I was deeply honored to present a session at conference (Fun or Serious? How to use both to improve your dashboards) […]

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  Tableau Forum Fun: Grand totals next to columns

  Posted on October 10, 2016 by Joshua Milligan in All, Calculations, DataViz, Tableau Forum Fun, Tableau Tip Tuesday, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized.

  I really love the Tableau Community Forums.  If you haven’t ever experienced the forums, you really should!  It’s a vibrant community all centered around helping people learn Tableau and solve real world problems! You can participate as a helper and provide answers to individuals who are asking Tableau questions or ask for help if you have a […]

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  Bob Ross Mashup: The Joy of Viz Painting 2

  Posted on June 28, 2016 by Joshua Milligan in All, Dashboards, DataViz, Fun, Pushing the Limits, Storytelling & Commentary.

  I grew up watching Bob Ross and as I watched him mix colors and beat brushes, I knew that I could be an artist. He had such an optimism, excitement, and passion.  And he knew that he could inspire others to have the same. Now, most often, my paint is data and my canvas and brush […]

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  Visualizing the long road to women’s voting rights in Tableau

  Posted on June 20, 2016 by Joshua Milligan in All, Dashboards, DataViz, Storytelling & Commentary.

  Finding the Data Story Who doesn’t love politics?  The latest in the round of IronViz feeders from Tableau features this as the theme.  I’ll admit, it was hard for me to be enthusiastic about politics at first, but after a scavenger hunt for political data, I came across something that had me excited to tell […]

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