① Abstraction

Start by exploring the data to find the patterns, the trends, the comparisons or the outliers that can be used to craft the story.

② Representation

The aim of data visualization is to amplify cognition and hence, choosing the right representation is of paramount importance.

③ Aesthetics

Choosing good aesthetics like color and fit for purpose embelishment ensures the audience can understand better.

④ Framing & Transition

To focus attention, the visualisation needs to be framed well and needs to use appropriate transitions as it moves from one view to another.

⑤ Messaging

Stories need to be told, through meaningful annotations in the visualisation or through verbal or written messaging.

⑥ Flow

Stories take the audience through a visual & verbal journey and a flow provides a good narrative structure to do so.

⑦ Interactivity

Adding limited interactivity to visualisation to allow the audience to interact and navigate through the story.