How can designers, analysts, and developers apply a race- and ethnicity-conscious lens to their data analysis and data visualization work? How can we take a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) perspective to our research, data, and visualizations? Just as we carefully consider our written words, we should be equally careful in how we visually present data to our readers, users, and audiences, including the words we use in and around those visuals.

Taking a DEI perspective means considering how the specific lived experiences and perspectives of the people and communities we are studying, as well as our readers, will perceive information and carry that information forward. In this talk, we discuss a variety of techniques that data visualization producers should consider when creating visuals with this DEI approach.

3M has combined 30+ years of research informing our understanding of the human visual system with our expertise in machine learning and analytics to bring data-driven workplace solutions. Developed by expert neuro and data scientists to quickly and accurately simulate how people see your visuals within the first 3-5 seconds, 3M™ Visual Attention Software (VAS) instantly predicts – with 92% accuracy – where your viewers’ eyes are drawn. This “pre-attentive phase” is critical in capturing your audience’s interest and increasing the likelihood they will engage with your content. A VAS analysis will show you which areas are attracting, or distracting, viewers’ attention so you know if your content is on track in achieving its goals. You can integrate testing into you design workflow with the VAS web app or plugins for Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or XD and make refinement decisions based on objective feedback. Learn more at vas.3M.com.

This session brought to you by our partner, 3M.