Annotated Images: A Qualitative Dataviz Option

A few weeks ago, I was facilitating a data visualization workshop. One of the participants asked a great question:

What are dataviz options if your research method (e.g., ethnography) generates a lot of visuals (e.g., photographs) that aren’t super interesting or informative as standalones?

My suggestion? Annotate the visual in interesting and informative ways.

Here’s the example I created live, in about 90 seconds, during the workshop:*

After the workshop, I reflected on where I might’ve seen annotated images like these before. I had the vague sense that I’ve seen historical documents annotated in places like textbooks or museum exhibits.

The next day, my family and I went to the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, North Carolina, US. We’re Museum members (thanks, Grandma!) and visit often. Our main purpose that day was to meet the new wolves and new alligators. And, wouldn’t you know it, at the wolf enclosure, I spotted this exhibit:

See? That’s what I’m talking about!! This was a great way to take an object that, at first glance, isn’t terribly interesting and transform it into an informative visual aid.

How you seen interesting examples of annotated images or objects IRL? Share them in the comments below!

*I am not a marine biologist and do not in any way imply that my facts about clownfish, coral, or the ocean floor are accurate.