1)–Based on the Cairo and Cohen readings, what are one or two things you want to try with your data visualizations going forward? What did you learn about info graphics.

• To further improve my data visualizations going forward, I want to learn how to apply controls to the data when comparing certain populations and situations. For example, knowing how to generate a relative variable to a graph that needs to make the numbers related and fair to one another. (ex: ratio/population) There is most likely an outlier sometimes, and instead of settling with the outlier like I normally would do, I want to make sure that the outlier is fair and accurate when comparing it to the rest of the data.
• I also want to be able to analyze a visualization better to make it the truest model it can possibly be because that is the most important point, isn’t it? Truth. Cairo encourages to always ask yourself “compared to whom, to what, to when, to where…etc.” when creating a visualization. I forget to ask these simple questions, and they can really aid your data visualization in the most important aspect.

2) –Based on the interviewing readings, what new techniques did you learn to help with these interviews of low income workers?

• Preparing big time before the interview. Truthfully, I did not realize how important it is to prepare before the interview. Identifying the “stakeholders, storytellers, audience, and other experts.” I need to know my surroundings and the people involved in those environments in order to get a clear and truthful interview with someone. I really want to work on analyzing my surroundings more and be as detailed as possible.
• I am a talker. I love to talk a lot and try to relate myself to people as much as possible. I think it is a kind of comfort mechanism for me, but when interviewing I need to shut up and listen. This is something I am going to have to train myself to hold my tongue and listen. “Ask short and direct questions and listen!”
• I get afraid to dive deep as well because I am intimidated that I might be overstepping boundaries, but the interviewing tips about how to approach people with phrases like “Tell me more about that” is extremely helpful with not sounding too forceful.
  1. I need to just be confident in this process and get to the know the interviewee as much as I can. After reading these tips, I am more excited and feel more comfortable about going out there and starting the interview process.

3) – My revisions were made on the original post.