Week 04 - 06 | MA Data Visualisation Term 1

I am pleased to begin my MA in Data Visualization at LCC this week. This platform will serve as a space for weekly reflections on my academic development, practical explorations, and sources of conceptual and visual inspiration.

During weeks 4 to 6, we engaged extensively with Excel to organise and sort graph data, deepening our technical proficiency in handling datasets. Concurrently, we explored and exchanged perspectives on the meaning of data visualisation, drawing upon assigned readings to collaboratively construct a group definition. Although articulating a definitive explanation proved challenging, the process fostered valuable reflection on our differing approaches and highlighted commonalities in how we conceptualise and construct data-visualisations.

After observing pigeons in Greenwich Park during an excursion, a project was produced on the trajectory habits of pigeons in Greenwich Park.

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In the process of exploring data feminism, I also read Data Feminism by Catherine D'Ignazio and Lauren F. Klein. The book's reference to ‘challenging power and valuing multiple forms of knowledge’ gave me a new perspective on the theme of data feminism. I began to realise that data should not be seen as a neutral or objective tool, but rather as a product that is deeply influenced by social, political and cultural contexts. This perspective has led me to reflect on how to incorporate the voices of marginalised groups in the practice of data visualisation and to think more critically about the sources and presentation of data.