Unfolding Data Tales: A Progressive Approach
My journey from spreadsheets to interactive narratives.
TL;DR: Today, I want to share my experiences of crafting narratives from numbers. First, I'll define the problem I've experienced in my work, and then I'll outline how traditional solutions didn't fully meet my needs. Next, I'll introduce a product that provides a better way of addressing these needs, followed by a practical model I developed using this product.
How Did We Get Here?
Let’s start with a little bit of background info.
I've been developing business structures grounded in numerical data for the past decade. This includes creating systems like KPI-based bonus distribution models and then articulating these systems to teams. Over time, I've noticed my methodologies evolving, and that's what I aim to share with you.
Previously, my approach was as follows:
I'd establish the structure using Google Sheets.
Next, I'd import the necessary parts to Google Slides, either by taking screenshots or by embedding them.
After that, I'd incorporate explanatory texts right into Google Slides.
Finally, during a meeting, I'd guide the team through the system using these documents as reference material.
Even though this way of doing things worked, I really wished there was an easier, quicker, and better way to tell stories from/with data.
I'm sure you've come across documents that leave you with similar impressions. Perhaps you've seen investor updates packed with spreadsheets that bury you in data. Or maybe you've seen presentations full of charts and tables, with only minimal commentary sprinkled in. Every time I see these kinds of documents, I can't shake the feeling that the format is dictating the content.
Questions We Should Ask
Whether it's a KPI-based bonus system or an investor update, isn't it crucial to understand the context behind the numbers and graphs? Shouldn't we be able to adjust some numerical assumptions made by the author to see how the outcomes could differ or how scenarios might change?
These questions have been on my mind for years. As I continued to ask them, I tested various tools. Two years ago, I took a chance with Google Looker Studio, initially skeptical of its effectiveness. Although it didn't provide a complete solution to my storytelling needs, it significantly simplified the process of preparing business and product metrics dashboards.
Finally: Someone Else Is Asking The Same Questions
Half a year ago, I bumped into a London-based startup called Decipad. Their slogan, ”Make Sense of Numbers: Create interactive data stories, play with numbers and foster understanding across your team,” really hit home. Intrigued, I jumped right in to give their product a whirl, creating several different notebooks.
If you're looking for a better way to craft narratives from numbers, you have two options:
If you're not interested in a how-to-build guide, visit Decipad and start exploring.
If you want to learn more about the process, keep reading.
I know I mentioned two, but you might consider 'Subscribe' as a third option. 😊
How To Build a Notebook on Decipad?
To illustrate its utility, let's consider an example: Suppose our startup establishes a bonus pool to be distributed each quarter.
We have five organizational KPIs, each with a maximum achievable point value.
At the end of each quarter, points are accumulated based on KPI success, and these points then determine the bonus pool's distribution. (Let’s call it bonus-to-share.)
Each team member has three individual KPIs, and each KPI has a max point. At the end of the quarter, team members collect points based on KPI success.
When we add up the organizational KPI points and individual KPI points, each person's bonus point comes out. In the end, let's distribute the bonus-to-share according to these points.
As you see, the notebook has different types of blocks:
I used text blocks and call-out blocks for explanations.
I used a number input block (bonus pool amount) that allows the end user to see different outputs based on the input.
I used different tables which are hidden to end users to create the structure.
You can integrate your current tables from Google Sheets and other tools.
I used formulas that are also hidden to end users.
So I created this notebook with a combination of these blocks. If you’re familiar with Notion, internalizing the concept will be much easier.
How Does It Work?
As you may have realized, I have explained both the structure and the result on the same medium. Of course, there is a problem here. You cannot change the numbers in this article to calculate bonuses for different results. That's why I love Decipad because it does precisely these things.
If you wish, take a short break now and look at my work: Performance-Based Bonus Model. (You can use my notebook as a template.)
Key Benefits
1. I no longer need to use two different products.
2. The end-user can manipulate the numbers whenever they desire.
3. I love this feature: When an individual modifies the input values, the results are recalculated solely for that individual's usage. This change doesn't impact other users. Additionally, the input values revert to their original state whenever you refresh the browser. This isn't possible with Google Sheets.
My sharing of this experience isn't motivated by an endorsement agreement but by my belief in the product's value proposition. I commend the Decipad team for their incredible support, especially when I struggled with specific formulas.
I would love to hear your comments and suggestions. Your input is incredibly valuable, whether it's feedback about this topic and product or new subject recommendations. The comment button right below is waiting for you!
Stay curious,
Tolga