Data Design Principles
Robust qualities and principles to guide the future of data visualization at WHO.
Our data design principles present guidance for how we approach the design of data presentation at WHO. The principles apply to data visualization (visual charts) but also to other representations of data, including descriptive text, sonification (sound), augmented reality and speech-based interfaces.
Crafted specifically for WHO and the forthcoming launch of the public data hub, Datadot, the principles are based on in-depth research and requirements analysis and specifically targeted towards the unique challenges in communicating public health-related data. They are rooted in extensive prototyping and testing with real data sets, user research, and industry best practice. The resulting guidelines provide a long-lasting foundation for current and future representations of data.
Principles
Straightforward
Our prime objective is making data easy to read and understand. In our representations of data, we aim to show data as clearly and transparently as possible.
On point
We optimize data perspectives to their specific usage context. This includes supporting charts and data aggregations that fit a user's questions, data semantics and communication context.
Realistic
Our data presentation provides a realistic, transparent view of data coverage, scope, precision and provenance.
International
Text elements and data representations are designed to be truly internationalized, multilingual and culturally aware.
Accessible
We create rich data experiences for everyone through accessible, international, adaptable, and participatory approaches to data visualization.
Responsive
Our robust foundations are designed to present data within the context, channels and content experiences of today and tomorrow — responsive to channels, devices, interfaces, zoom levels and user preferences.
Objective
With the introduction of data design principles we are laying the foundation for a unified WHO data experience based on these six core tenets. The principles answer more than just 'how does this look?', instead addressing concepts of what is important, how experiences practically function and what our experience of data should feel like.
Even if our stylistic approaches to data design continue to iterate, our principles will remain a lasting foundation on which to build data design experiences, conceptually unifying our products across the organization and responding to both change or development.
The introduction of the data design principles has created an ecosystemic, values-based foundation for WHO's approach to data dissemination and has informed our new Data Design Language (DDL). Through presentation and consultation across WHO, the principles serve as a guideline for the development of data.who.int, but are also currently being leveraged by technical programmes and data managers across WHO.
About data.who.int
An accessible, trusted and actionable source for the full breadth of the world's health data.