The 30-3-1 Approach with Unlimited Visual Appendices: The Bare Minimum for Designing Reports that Actually Inform Decisions

Jul 6th, 2021 / Reports
Want to design reports that actually inform decisions? With software you already have?? Nobody wants to pour blood, sweat, and tears into a document that sits on a dusty shelf. I recently gave a presentation where I shared about the 30-3-1 approach to reporting, which is the bare minimum for designing useful reports. And now I want to share it with you.
More »

3 Common Reporting Hurdles—and How to Overcome Them

Jun 22nd, 2021 / Reports
I work with a lot of different groups — government, universities, foundations, nonprofits, for-profits, etc. Every organization has a little bit different communication style… but they all have one thing in common: everyone has reports of one kind or another. I spoke with Alli Torban on her podcast, Data Viz Today to share 3 common reporting hurdles I see and how to overcome them.
More »

Customizing Reports for the Audience with Deven Wisner

Oct 13th, 2020 / Reports
When we should follow APA format? When should we not? Earlier this year I sat down with my good friend Deven Wisner about customizing reports for the audience. During this six-minute conversation, we talked about Deven’s current work (he’s a managing partner, professor and student himself!) as well as the advice he gives to his own students.
More »

How to Design Reports that Actually Inform Decisions

Aug 18th, 2020 / Reports
When you hear the term “Dusty Shelf Report,” what comes to mind? Even if you haven’t heard that term before, you’ve seen one. Maybe you’ve received one. Maybe you’re written one (or, dozens). It’s the document we pour our blood, sweat, and tears into… that doesn’t affect anything. No real-world changes. No improvements to policies, programs, budgeting, or staffing decisions. I was trained to write technical reports with statistical jargon that sat around and gathered dust. Now, I write reports that people actually want to read. Fewer paragraphs. More graphs. My audience can understand the information, so the data actually gets used. Our brand new full-length course, Report Redesign is open for registration until Friday, August 21st.
More »