Narrative Visualizations Best Practices and Evaluation: A Systematic Mapping Study

Abstract In recent years, there has been a growing interest in integrating data visualizations into narrative stories to effectively convey information and knowledge. By leveraging the best practices established in the literature, narrative visualizations can reduce the cognitive workload associated with chart comprehension. However, since it is critical and challenging to assess the results, several methodologies have been proposed in this regard. In this article, we present a systematic mapping study of ninety-five data storytelling and information visualization studies. Our goal is to collect and summarize current definitions of “data storytelling” reported in the literature, the best practices for designing narrative visualizations, and evaluation criteria and methods to assess them. As main contributions, we derive a working definition of data storytelling, distinguishing among the concepts involved, and provide an overview of design guidelines to assist practitioners and researchers in creating narrative visualizations. In addition, we characterize the main evaluation criteria and methods. Our findings highlight the need for more out-of-the-box, ready-to-use evaluation tools that allow a rapid and iterative assessment of narrative visualizations.