Abstract
Currently, we observe a proliferation of data visualizations about Covid-19 in the media, which makes it a convenient time to study the topic from the perspective of different disciplines, including information design and mathematics. If, on the one hand, the abundance of such pandemic representations would already be a legitimate reason to address the issue, on the other hand, it is not the central motivation of the present discussion. The uniqueness of the epidemiological phenomenon that we are experiencing highlights new aspects regarding the production and use of data visualizations, one of which is its diversification beyond counting and visual representation of events related to the virus spread. In this sense, the article discusses, through the analysis of examples, three different approaches for this type of schematic representation, namely: visualization of hypothetical data, visualizations based on secondary data, and visualization for social criticism and self-reflection. Ultimately, we can argue that design contributes to the production of data visualizations that can help people to understand the causes and implications involved in the new coronavirus and encourage civic responsibility through self-care and the practice of social distancing.
Highlights
Today, the expression “unprecedented” is heard quite often
We can observe a proliferation of data visualizations about Covid-19 in the media, which makes the time very suitable for studying the topic from the perspective of different disciplines, including information design
Through data visualization practices aimed at social criticism and community care, we want to emphasize examples that demonstrate the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on the most vulnerable segments of society
Summary
The expression “unprecedented” is heard quite often. It's as if the language we use to explain our world is falling apart and the superlatives cannot keep up with the new reality brought about by the new coronavirus pandemic. Faced with the complexity and volatility of the phenomenon, scientists, journalists, and public officials strive to make data meaningful In this sense, data visualization plays a crucial role in the communication process. We can observe a proliferation of data visualizations about Covid-19 in the media, which makes the time very suitable for studying the topic from the perspective of different disciplines, including information design. As the effects of the crisis unfolded, the media began to pay attention to alternative types of data that go beyond the mere count of confirmed cases and mortality rates Concepts such as probability, exponential growth, logarithmic scale, and moving average, once restricted to specialized domains, reached the daily news and needed to be incorporated into data visualization for lay audiences. Data visualization moves away from its primary function, which is to evidence concrete events, to demonstrate concepts and mathematical models from data obtained in simulations
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