Visualizing HR Data Part 2: Using Google's Cool Motion Chart

In part 1 of my experiment using motion charts for HR data visualization, I tested Trend Compass, which is technically a copy of the Hans Rosling data viz tool. (This is not the most sophisticated or interesting way to show data, but it’s sure fun to watch…)

This time I used the same data: sources of applicants and hires (all sample data) for 20 months, but used Google’s Motion Chart. And I have to say, in terms of ease of use, flexibility, and sheer visual beauty, Motion Chart wins. After I had the data set and a helpful link from the folks at Gapminder I was up and running in about 20 minutes.

I didn’t record audio on this one, but here’s a quick video of the chart in motion: (try it in full screen mode to see detail)

Now, Google lets you tap the Motion Chart from their API, or, it’s right in Google Docs as a widget. Here’s a link to a live published version of the same sheet I used so you can see how I did it.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=t9Nub9K-kBQkV3-5FfhHoeg&single=true&gid=0&output=html

Try changing some of the variables for yourself to see how it works.  Mouse over the sources on the right hand side, nice highlighting feature there.

I also recommend hitting gapminder.org to see some really lovely trend data from across the world. I don’t know about you, but I’m having some data fun playing with this new toy…

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