In today's world, where 'data' is more valuable than gold, we find ourselves entering information everywhere we go. In some services, we must consent to organizations using our data for further development. While this may sound tedious, many people are also concerned about data security.
 
However, we must acknowledge that data is like fuel; the more we have, the better we can analyze, innovate, or even solve problems effectively. The downside of having a lot of data seems to be the management system needed to keep that data organized so it can be presented in an interesting way. Thus, we draw lessons from Khun Kungking - Thanisara Ruangdech, CEO & Co-Founder of Punchup, a group of people who believe that if we blend data + story + design just right, complex and abundant information can instantly become engaging.
 
 

Data: The Essential Nutrient of the Future

The first and core component of a Data Storyteller is 'data'. As the world and technology advance, data becomes increasingly abundant, and humans are utilizing it more effectively. Starting with data makes our communication work credible, verifiable, and importantly, it helps create a unique identity that stands out from others. This can be achieved by using data from perspectives that others may not consider or even by collecting the data ourselves.
 
 

Story: Creating Narratives Because Data Can't Speak Well

Data may be like a very smart friend who isn't particularly chatty or skilled in communication. Reading this friend's summary sheet before an exam is like taking a bitter but high-quality medicine; the taste may not be appealing. Therefore, storytelling skills act as the seasoning that transforms data into delicious and easily digestible information for everyone by connecting, highlighting key points, and weaving an attractive narrative from the first glance to the last word.
 

Design: Making the Plate Appealing

With good ingredients and a skilled chef, the final step is to beautifully present the dish. Since humans can best receive and understand information through 'images', decorating and designing that transforms lengthy text into beautiful visuals helps make data less boring and more engaging, ensuring that all viewers can easily comprehend it.
 

Application to Enter the Field

It's no surprise that looking around, we see feeds about Data Storytellers everywhere, as this career path is in high demand in the digital age. The novelty of this profession in Thailand and globally means there are still no experts who have graduated directly in this field, and no fixed curriculum exists. However, we have distilled the necessary skills for working in this field into four simple points:
 
1. Data Literacy: Understanding Data
We need to understand what kind of data we will use, what methods we will employ to collect it, and what tools we will use to store it, also known as 'data science'. If you're unsure where to start, we recommend the simplest method: collect data yourself by keeping a diary, but try changing from descriptive writing to using various symbols instead.
 
2. Communication Skills
For those who graduated in fields like communication or marketing, this may not be a problem, but for those who did not study in these areas, these skills can be developed by asking questions, researching, and practicing precise point identification.
 
3. Design
Design skills can also be self-taught. You might try taking a set of data and practicing by sketching it out by hand as a way to hone your skills.
 
4. Digital Literacy
Being digitally savvy is the final and crucial skill, as it is essential for the future. Understanding and utilizing technology effectively will help you know the tools and methods for managing data well.
Future is coming
 
As we can see, being a Data Storyteller is a new field that requires skills or abilities that cross various disciplines. Learning every skill to meet all demands may take considerable time. What can substitute for this is teamwork, as working in teams can significantly expand the limits of possibilities. Ultimately, managing data accurately may bring us closer to knowing the future.
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Compiled by Methus Kairuk
 
SOURCE: tcdc