See the Story: Using Visualizations to Illuminate Your Data

Images function as powerful organizers in human cognition, structuring information and shaping various mental processes. This phenomenon is explained by the picture superiority effect, which refers to the tendency for images or drawings to be remembered more effectively than the corresponding verbal labels. For instance, individuals are more likely to recall the concept of a “sphygmomanometer” when shown a picture of one than when presented with the word alone.

Role of Visualizations in Data Communication

Visualizations, graphical representations derived from data, possess the capacity to rapidly capture the viewer’s attention and effectively communicate complete information. By transforming raw, often abstract data into coherent and accessible visual formats, effective visualizations facilitate deeper understanding. They translate numerical values and intangible concepts into structured visual narratives, enabling audiences to uncover insights and relationships that might otherwise remain hidden in traditional textual or numerical formats.

By bridging the gap between data and comprehension, visualizations allow viewers to rapidly identify patterns, connections, and trends. Just as a picture is said to be worth a thousand words, a well-designed visualization can effectively reveal the underlying story within the data. The aim of this 2026 Alliance Annual Conference workshop is to explore the cognitive principles underlying effective visualizations and demonstrate how they can be applied to improve data communication and comprehension. Our colleagues in the healthcare Continuing Professional Development (CPD) community will develop an understanding of practical strategies to create clear and compelling visual narratives that transform complex data from CPD programs into clear, actionable insights.

Workshop Format & Content Overview

The proposed workshop will facilitate an interactive, panel-led discussion uniting four experts in the field of CPD. The panel will examine the cognitive foundations of visual storytelling, focusing on phenomena such as the picture superiority effect and its role in enhancing information retention and comprehension. Through empirical examples and cases, participants will explore how complex datasets can be transformed into coherent visual narratives that reveal patterns and foster deeper cognitive engagement.

The discussion will also address emerging challenges related to the integration of artificial intelligence in visualization, emphasizing ethical considerations such as accuracy, bias, prevention, and transparency. Additional topics will include balancing simplicity with informational depth and adapting visualizations to diverse audiences with varying data literacy levels.

Learner Engagement

Participants will actively participate through Q&A sessions, critical analysis of sample visualizations, and reflective discussions designed to encourage thoughtful evaluation of their own data storytelling practices.

Intended Audience & Level of Experience 

This workshop is well-suited for participants at the Basic level, offering a supportive environment for those with a foundational knowledge of data communication or visualization. Concepts will be introduced with clear explanations and practical examples, allowing participants to connect cognitive theory with real-world application. Guided discussions and structured activities will provide opportunities to apply new strategies with support, making the session accessible and valuable for learners seeking to build confidence and expand their abilities in visual storytelling.

Relevance & Broader Application

The relevance of this workshop extends across professional roles, including educators, clinicians, researchers, and administrators, who rely on data to inform decisions, communicate findings, and/or engage diverse audiences. As the demand for data literacy increases across the healthcare and continuing professional development sectors, the ability to present information visually, clearly, and responsibly, has become an essential skill. By emphasizing both cognitive science and ethical considerations, the workshop will appeal to participants seeking to enhance the effectiveness of their communication in ways that are both evidence-based and audience-aware. Whether designing reports, delivering presentations, or building dashboards, participants will leave with conceptual frameworks and practical tools applicable to a wide range of contexts.

Alignment With Conference Theme

This session aligns closely with the conference theme, “Expand Perspectives, Inspire Possibilities,” by encouraging participants to rethink how data is communicated, understood, and acted upon. By drawing from learning science and emphasizing cognitive and ethical dimensions of visual storytelling, the workshop will challenge conventional approaches to data presentation. Participants will gain exposure to new frameworks for interpretating and designing visualizations, fostering a deeper appreciation of the diverse ways data can be made meaningful across different contexts and audiences. The inclusion of responsible AI practices further pushes the boundaries of current visualization methods, encouraging participants to critically evaluate not only how visuals are created, but also the broader implications of automated tools in shaping data narratives.

Inspiring Innovation & Reflective Practice

Through this experience, participants will be empowered to move beyond traditional, text-heavy modes of communication and embrace visualization as a strategic tool for enhancing clarity, engagement, and impact. The workshop will inspire participants to experiment with novel approaches in their own work and consider how thoughtfully crafted visualization can expand access to complex ideas, spark curiosity, and facilitate better decision-making. Ultimately, the workshop seeks to cultivate a mindset of innovation and reflection, encouraging learners to see data not just a information to be shared, but as a story to be told.