Data Feminism

摘要

There are many books that flout the beauty of data visualization for the purpose of inspiration. Communication designers often look to glossy coffee table books like Knowledge is Beautiful and Information Graphics to get their fix of visual trends and sensual graphics (Rendgen 2020; McCandless 2014). Then there is Edward Tufte's well known canon of books, which offer clear and practical advice on how to create such beautiful concepts (Tufte 2014, 2018a, 2018b, 2019). However looking past the aesthetics of such designs, Catherine D'lgnazio and Lauren Klein's book, Data Feminism, has delved deeper into the power dynamics and politics at play in data visualization. They have created an accessible book that will challenge anyone who deals with data-including designers-to be more aware of the bigotry and prejudices often present in such narratives. Data Feminism suggests seven principles which can address these problems and in this post truth world, it has never been more pressing to be critical of the data we encounter.