The Lived Experience of Coastal Communities in Mangrove Restoration: A Phenomenological Study
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Abstract
Data visualization is essential for decision-making in data science, allowing professionals to communicate complex findings as actionable insights. While technical tools have improved, little is known about the lived experiences of those who use these tools to convey strategic messages within organizations. Prior studies emphasize functionality and interface design, creating a gap in understanding users’ subjective and emotional engagement in data storytelling. This study employed an interpretative phenomenological approach to explore how data professionals experience communicating business insights through visualization. Nine participants—including data analysts, business intelligence specialists, and UX researchers from technology and finance sectors—were interviewed in depth. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns of meaning-making and trust-building. Participants described navigating cognitive, emotional, and ethical challenges when creating visual narratives. They saw themselves as mediators between data and stakeholders, balancing clarity, persuasion, and integrity. Key tensions included aligning with organizational expectations while maintaining transparency and ethical responsibility. The findings highlight data visualization as a human-centered practice, involving more than technical skill. This study contributes a deeper understanding of how data professionals interpret and shape meaning, filling a gap in research that overlooks user subjectivity. The results offer guidance for designing tools and training that support both the analytical and communicative dimensions of data work.
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