This is an Eval Central archive copy, find the original at freshspectrum.com.
Before I was an information designer I was just a data guy. I learned to design because I got tired of seeing good evaluation work quickly fade into obscurity because it was poorly reported.
Now my days are spent helping evaluators in large organizations simplify and modernize their reports.
I created the DiY Data Design workshop community to teach the stuff I do with my own information design clients to my fellow evaluators. It initially launched about 6 months ago and has evolved quite a bit over that time.
For the next week (March 1 – March 7th at 11:59 PM) the workshop community is open to new members.
Here are 8 reasons why I think YOU should join us.
Reason 1: We learn better together.
This isn’t just a set of self-paced modules. It’s a community. Just about everything I teach is taught live to a group of aspiring data designers. The community is designed using the principles of an effective community of practice.
What does that mean? It means you also get to hear real questions from your peers. And you get to hear about other people’s experiences, and lessons learned, not just my own.
And when we learn together as a community, it amplifies the value and everyone wins.
Reason 2: Less theory more practice.
If you want to become better at data design, create. Then create some more. Then create some more.
I love design theory and diving into the why behind how things work. But ultimately you don’t need an advanced degree in design to create a sleek effective modern report.
So we take shortcuts. Lots of shortcuts. And we don’t get bogged down in theory. Because you can always come back to that later.
My goal is to help you create better reports, faster.
Reason 3: You’ll get ongoing report support.
Every member gets access to an always open Zoom chat room. It’s a place where you can share your work and ask general questions.
But you can also ask really specific questions. You know the kind that you need answered because your report is due in a couple of days. And you’re stuck. And you need help.
Help is here.
Reason 4: You don’t know what you don’t know.
Have you ever created printable infographics, interactive web reports, social media featured image infographics, data dashboards, qualitative illustrations, GIFs, animations, or videos?
I have.
Look, I’ve always been a jack-of-all-trades. And while I might not be the best at any one thing, I know a little about a LOT of things. So we cover a wide range of reporting topics.
Because while some things are hard to do, there are a lot of things that are fairly easy if you just knew how.
Reason 5: The stuff nobody else teaches.
Yes, we’ll occasionally use the normal tools everybody else teaches (i.e. Excel, PowerPoint, Tableau, Adobe CC).
But more often than not we’ll be using other tools. Because these other tools make creating easier and faster. They are also free to use and easy to learn. I’m talking about tools like Adobe Elements, Adobe XD, and Descript.
But the one tool we use most in this workshop, way more than any other data design workshop I know:
Canva.
More and more Canva has become my go to reporting tool for everything from infographics to dashboards to explainer videos. Because it’s easier to use and makes everything faster. And in this workshop, you’ll learn why.
Reason 6: Recipes, Recipes, Recipes.
Okay, so if you peruse through the DiY Data Design offerings you’ll notice a bunch of “Coming Soon” data design recipes. And when I say coming soon, I mean in the upcoming weeks not months from now. I already have a bunch created, I just need to get them onto the site.
Recipes focus on practical designs that we discuss as part of the workshop. They are things that you can create and adapt. They often come with supporting tools like templates and worksheets. Every recipe is also discussed and recorded prior to it showing up in the library.
You can expect to see around 50 recipes added over the next three months. And 100 recipes over the next six months.
Reason 7: Because YOU want to create better reports.
You know how everyone says it’s the audience that matters the most.
Well, that’s only kind of true. Most audiences are not actually demanding better reports. They’re simply ignoring the organizations that don’t take reporting seriously.
The person that matters the most is YOU. Because YOU can make your reports better, even if nobody demands it. And not because someone told you to, but because you believe in the power of your work. You believe in sharing data and evidence. You want people to see your work.
Reason 8: Because there is NO RISK (and scholarships, and a coupon).
Starting this time around, all my member plans come with 30 days free. That means if you join and decide you don’t like it, just cancel within 30 days and you won’t be charged.
I’m also offering no explanation necessary scholarships (see the FAQs) of 25% and 50% off.
And, even if you don’t think you need a scholarship, you can still get 15% off by just enrolling in my free self-paced 1. 2. 3. Report! course.
