Rook is playful data visualization device aiming at the dissemination of air quality data. The Rook unit accesses the database of the Hollandse Luchten (henceforth HL) project, which collects data on air quality in Nord-Holland via a network of sensor kits distributed to the local population and displays it in an interactive way using lights and mist. The eerie and mysterious effect of the colored mist aims at a playful and enticing effect on its users, while, at the same time, spreading awareness on one of the key sustainability issues of the region. People can interact freely with the machine so to explore its working and the data it conveys.This paper aims to contextualize and describe the design process behind the creation of Rook and to propose some reflections on playfulness, citizenship and data visualization.
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Depicting news graphically is considered an apt way to deal with two challenges of modern journalism: to disclose big data, and present the news attractively, visually, and fast to grasp. Newsrooms try their hand at it and are figuring out how to organize production of information visualizations effectively. This study delves into reported obstacles and challenges for the production of news visualizations and suggests that enhancing the quality of information visualization in news media, asks for a clear view on what information visualization means for the production of news, rather than only stimulating journalist to acquire new skills
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During the past two decades the implementation and adoption of information technology has rapidly increased. As a consequence the way businesses operate has changed dramatically. For example, the amount of data has grown exponentially. Companies are looking for ways to use this data to add value to their business. This has implications for the manner in which (financial) governance needs to be organized. The main purpose of this study is to obtain insight in the changing role of controllers in order to add value to the business by means of data analytics. To answer the research question a literature study was performed to establish a theoretical foundation concerning data analytics and its potential use. Second, nineteen interviews were conducted with controllers, data scientists and academics in the financial domain. Thirdly, a focus group with experts was organized in which additional data were gathered. Based on the literature study and the participants responses it is clear that the challenge of the data explosion consist of converting data into information, knowledge and meaningful insights to support decision-making processes. Performing data analyses enables the controller to support rational decision making to complement the intuitive decision making by (senior) management. In this way, the controller has the opportunity to be in the lead of the information provision within an organization. However, controllers need to have more advanced data science and statistic competences to be able to provide management with effective analysis. Specifically, we found that an important skill regarding statistics is the visualization and communication of statistical analysis. This is needed for controllers in order to grow in their role as business partner..
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