Interactivity is, in no uncertain terms, what transforms the data of the web into pure unmitigated magic. By inviting the users into the storytelling process, it ceases to simply be a collection of informative images, videos, and words- but rather, it becomes wholly something different: an experience.
From our reading in the Data Journalism Handbook, I found most interesting the case study involving OpenSpending.org. The primary element is visually impressive, easy to navigate, and contains some really great information that would otherwise be difficult to source. Very rarely is information assembled in such an interesting, comprehensible way, and perhaps even more important, it provides an essential service to the audience.
Several of my favorite examples of web interactivity are a little outside the box. Stay with me.
http://www.evolutionoftheweb.com/ – First up is a website that visually depicts the evolution of, you guessed it, the web. In addition to showcasing a tremendous amount of information about the structure and technology- it also contains details and images of the older browsers that aren’t in use anymore. It’s not only a blast from the past, but it’s a really nifty way of telling this story, too.
http://hereistoday.com/ – My apologies ahead of time- but I’d prefer *not* to spoil this one. I’ll just say that it’s brief, visual, and extremely interesting. I’ll discuss this at length during the scrum on Monday. Check it out before then.
