What is storylifting?

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Whatever stories you want to tell about your work, its impact, and/or its potential, the data behind that work needs to be gathered first - likely from sources both internal and external to your organization.

As data is collected, it needs to be sorted and brought into one source before analysis, visualization, or storytelling can begin.

Gathering data into a centralized source is great. Designing that source to be well-structured, efficient, and flexible is an investment which will lead to short term success and long term sustainability for any data project.

Data visualization is the representation of data through use of common graphics, such as charts, plots, infographics, and even animations. These visual displays of information communicate complex data people can use to more easily monitor and understand what’s happening.

Data visualizations need an overarching narrative that binds them together to ensure insights and information are fully understood as intended. When relevant context and meaning are added to the numbers through narrative "storylifting", an audience is better prepared to make decisions, take action, and feel enlightened about the impact and potential of the work being "lifted".

Just as data visualization can take numerous forms to reach different audiences, varying narratives can blend with data visualizations to take the same fundamental data and tell a variety of stories tailored to each custom need. What part of the story needs lifting, and the approaches taken to do that work, will depend on each unique purpose and desired outcome.

If you are motivated by the positive impact your work is making - and/or has the potential to make - in the lives of others, please schedule a free 30 minute consultation with StoryLift Studios. I'd love to see how we can deepen your impact together.