Shan Carter on data storytelling

Shan Carter, who makes interactive graphics for The New York Times, talks telling stories with data in his aptly named presentation, "How I tried for years to find the perfect form for interactive graphics, how I failed, and why, whether a perfect form exists or not, I've stopped my desperate pursuit."

He starts with finding a balance between statistical analysis and story, and then finishes with the kicker that visualization is a form of communication just like a movie or a book. And that carries with it its own implications.

The short Q&A at the end is pretty good, too. Just ignore the first obligatory question on how you make graphics that get more traffic.

[Video Link via @mericson]