Accidental empathy of data design...

Go for a walk. Guaranteed it will stimulate creativity or at least provide a different perspective on a lingering challenge. On particularly stressful days I walk to the pool or gym as a meditative practice. Not to sound too"woo woo" or anything but often we need to free ourselves of routines and business practices that although familiar may be hiding a path forward.

A section of downtown near the ballpark has a grouping of small auto repair shops. The thought of a small independent "data repair" shop along the same lines gave me a chuckle--not too far from daily reality.

Clients bring clunkers in need of overhaul, newer data models in need of a tune-up, or more often than not, the remnants of a classic-- in need of modernization.

Alex Trochut in the short video below is a freelancer. He talks about his work day in ways familiar to all of us regardless of our area of expertise. Insights tend to be agnostic and adaptable. The distinction between Design (requires empathy) and Art (unapologetic freedom) really struck a chord with me as a data visualization designer? Artist?

Do we really think of data visualization with an empathetic eye? The vast proprietary and non-proprietary databases on the internet may be the tools you need to answer a question in a meaningful and complete way.  Are we empathetic or unapologetically focused on a single view or belief?

Do we have the ability to understand and share the feelings of the provider, payer, industry executive, government, economies, and ultimately the patients in the work we do?