This visualization represents all the described species of birds in the world (11,188 species, based on 2022 data), although this number is likely an underestimate. Each element in the visualization corresponds to a species, with its color reflecting its status on the IUCN Red List (The International Union for Conservation of Nature): red for extinct or critically endangered, blue for those considered not threatened, and gray for those for which there is data deficiency. Rather than presenting a precise data graph, the visualization aims to provide a sensitive interpretation of the situation, inspired by the movements of bird colonies observable in the sky. The dynamic arrangement of points follows the fluid, organic patterns of murmurations, where each bird moves collectively while maintaining an individual trajectory. This fluid design highlights both the great diversity of species and the urgency of the ecological threats they face. The layout is not intended for a precise reading of the data, but rather to evoke the collective movement and fragility of bird populations in a visually appealing way. A complementary version of the project applies the same principle to fish species, highlighting the fragile state of the aquatic world. The goal of this visualization is to raise awareness of the magnitude of ecological threats, while celebrating the rich diversity of life and emphasizing the importance of protecting ecosystems.
In the 20th century, more than two million whales were hunted, threatening several species with extinction. This visualization highlights the scale of this exploitation by tracing the catches of the six most hunted whale species and situating them in the context of regulatory policies implemented over time. The steamgraph used in this visualization, with its organic curves reminiscent of the wakes of whaling ships, follows a vertical timeline from top to bottom, with each wake representing the catches of a species over several decades. This approach provides a clear understanding of the rise of industrial whaling, which reached its peak in the 1960s, when more than 80,000 whales were killed each year. Since the blue whale is the largest animal to have ever lived on Earth, a scale of the species’ size relative to each other is included in the background of the visualization, showing the relative size of a whale compared to a human, highlighting the dramatic scale of whaling practices. At the same time, the visualization analyzes the evolution of regulatory efforts. It highlights the failures of early protection policies and the late implementation of the 1986 moratorium, which was introduced at a time when whale populations were already severely depleted. This moratorium marked a crucial turning point in international protection, signaling a renewed commitment to preserving these majestic creatures.
"A Year of Light" explores the evolution of the day-night cycle throughout the year and according to latitude. This visualization presents a luminous identity map of several cities around the world, offering a sensitive interpretation of the light variations from the winter solstice to the summer solstice. Rather than providing precise data on sunrise and sunset times, the project offers a more intuitive and global vision of the light rhythm specific to each city. The visualization is based on astronomical data, including the length of the day, the length of the night (combining morning and evening), and the three phases of twilight (astronomical, nautical, civil). The circle was chosen to represent the cyclical nature of the seasonal phenomenon, while a blur effect softens the transitions between light and dark, creating a pictorial effect that evokes the textures of dry pastels. The arrangement of the halos reflects the geography and seasons of the cities: in Nairobi, near the equator, the halos are almost perfect and symmetrical, while in Europe or the Southern Hemisphere, their orientation changes according to the seasons. In summer, the twilight phase in Oslo, near the Arctic Circle, takes a unique shape, resembling a halo of light projected onto a sphere.
Voilà logo Picture of Andrea on the left. Text on the right: Andrea Garrec Graphic designer Andrea is a graphic designer on the Voilà team. She brings graphic solutions and a creative vision to information. Drawn to an artistic path while maintaining a strong interest in science, she studied graphic design and later developed an independent practice as an art director. She gradually became interested in data visualization, exploring the bridges between science and creativity, seeing this language as a sensitive and engaging tool. chezvoila.com revealing information design
You might remember some of these beautiful visuals that circulated around here and were long listed at the IIB Awards this year. 📊
I'm delighted (truly) to announce that Andrea has now joined Voilà: as a graphic designer! @andrea-data.bsky.social
