How do you use data visualization and storytelling techniques to present your literature review findings?

One thing I find helpful is to sort the data into different themes, preferably related to themes in the literature review or the research questions of the study. You can also put the major data findings in your results and put other data in your appendices in order to avoid cluttering up your results.

✓Select appropriate visualization formats based on the type of data. ✓ For example, use bar charts for comparisons, line charts for trends over time, and pie charts for proportions.. ✓Consider heat maps, bubble charts, or network graphs for more complex relationships.

When selecting the appropriate format for presenting literature review findings, it's essential to consider the nature of the data and the preferences of the target audience. Opt for concise formats such as summary reports, presentations, or visually appealing infographics to ensure clarity and accessibility. Tailor the format to suit the complexity of the information and the level of detail required, keeping it succinct to maintain audience engagement. Whether it's a written report, a slide deck, or an interactive visualization, prioritize simplicity and coherence to effectively communicate key insights from the literature review.

One thing I've found helpful is presenting my data to other people before I put it in my results. Sometimes the way your data is organised makes sense to you, but people reading it can struggle to understand how the data relates to each other or what it's actually showing in relation to the study aims. I try to have a mixture of visual and more descriptive data, because some people like seeing a table or chart with the information and some people prefer to see it written down with quotes and a sense of narrative.

✓Group similar findings together to create a clear narrative. ✓Use hierarchical structures, such as nested bar charts or tree maps, to illustrate relationships and hierarchies within the data. ✓Consider creating a matrix or table for a systematic comparison of studies.

Organizing data for a literature review involves categorizing information by themes, methodologies, or key concepts. Keep it short by employing clear headings, subheadings, or visual aids like mind maps to streamline the presentation of findings. Prioritize a logical flow that guides the audience through the literature's main points, ensuring coherence and ease of understanding. By structuring the data effectively, you can enhance comprehension and facilitate the synthesis of information for your audience.

✓Choose colors, fonts, and styles that are visually appealing and ensure clarity. ✓Use consistent formatting to make the visualizations easy to interpret. ✓Minimize clutter and unnecessary details to focus on key findings.

Designing your data presentation involves selecting appropriate visual elements such as graphs, charts, and diagrams to effectively convey key findings. Keep it short by focusing on clarity, consistency, and relevance in visual design. Choose visually appealing formats that highlight important trends and relationships within the literature while avoiding unnecessary distractions. Prioritize simplicity and readability to ensure that your audience can quickly grasp the significance of the data.

Telling your story involves framing the literature review findings within a compelling narrative structure. Keep it short by beginning with a captivating introduction, outlining the main points concisely, and providing clear transitions between ideas. Utilize storytelling techniques such as anecdotes, examples, and metaphors to engage your audience and make the information memorable. End with a concise conclusion that reinforces the key takeaways and leaves a lasting impression. By crafting a coherent and engaging story, you can effectively convey the significance of your literature review findings.

During my PhD, I encountered the challenge of also writing a book with the guidance of a professional coach. Employing a technique akin to project management's "fish bone" concept, I structured my book with a central spine representing the main goal and smaller bones for supporting tasks. Months later, faced with visualizing my literature review data, I applied the same. Dividing the story idea, or "fishbone" into five research questions and adding smaller "bones" of supporting arguments clarified my path. This visualization method enabled me to create two chapters (1)formal literature criteria and (2) developmental data for my arguments, emphasizing the connection between storytelling and data visualization in research communication.

If presenting, consider adding interactive elements like tooltips or filters for a more engaging experience. Interactive charts or graphs can allow readers to explore specific aspects of the literature review in more detail