Data Visualization Services

Applying user-centered design to create accessible, visually appealing digital data products

As data continue to become more complex, solutions are needed to transform them into clear, actionable insights. Intuitive interfaces and real-time, customizable data visualizations can be leveraged to alleviate real-time challenges and help data users make informed decisions faster.

RTI International uses a collaborative design approach that tailors the end product to the nuances and technical requirements of source data and to specific communication objectives. Our team of experienced data visualization experts shepherd this work from start to finish, including initial requirements gathering, design drafts, user testing, publication, and ongoing maintenance. We create interactive data visualizations, dashboards, and reports that not only meet the highest standards of usability and clarity but are also secure, accessible, and responsive.

Expertise Across the Spectrum of Tools and Solutions

Choosing the right tool is essential for shaping the usability and accessibility of the end product. RTI experts have proficiencies in the full domain of data visualization tools, including

no-code data visualization software, such as Tableau and PowerBI;
low-code data science web frameworks, such as Dash, Streamlit, and R-Shiny; and
fully custom web applications built using open-source technologies, such as RTI’s Harness-Vue tools.

This wide range of skillsets ensures that we can tailor our solutions to the unique needs and challenges of each project.

Guided by a User-Centered Design (UCD) Philosophy

RTI leverages a UCD philosophy for creating data visualization products that integrates UCD principles with subject matter expertise in communication theory, data science, and design.

Through this approach, we work hand-in-hand with our clients to identify innovative solutions and data stories. Structuring products to combine focused exploration with rapid and iterative prototyping enables us to understand and solve user needs. By promoting divergent thinking that broadens perspectives and generates ideas, these data visualization tools can help users analyze, synthesize, and discern patterns in the data.

Using Progressive Data Analysis and Visualization

RTI’s visual data analysis lifecycle progresses through the following key stages:

Exploratory data analysis. Visual analysts and data scientists work with key stakeholders and available and/or synthetic data to find the intersection of forecasted user need and data capability.
Data visualization development and deployment. Robust, production-ready visualization tools are built and deployed by visual analysts and software developers.
Progressive incrementation. Evolving data content, user needs, and real-world context and events drive change, new visualizations, and features, as well as improvements and revisions to existing visualizations.

RTI has a proven track record of collecting, integrating, and analyzing a variety of datasets through this process, ultimately resulting in timely, up-to-date, and high impact visualization tools. Click here to learn about RTI’s full portfolio of user-focused tools and products—such as dashboards, reports, and portals—that transform complex data into actionable insights.

Featured Data Visualization Solutions

The National Crime Victimization Survey Data Dashboard (N-DASH)

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics has conducted the National Crime Victimization Study (NCVS) since 1973. RTI developed N-DASH to centralize NCVS studies since 1993 into a single platform, offering users a real-time snapshot of evolving trends to help key stakeholders develop effective strategies for crime prevention and victim assistance.

Learn More about The National Crime Victimization Survey Data Dashboard (N-DASH)

The RTI Rarity™ Project

Public health officials have called for a better way to measure, predict, and adjust for social factors in health care. Hear from RTI expert Lisa Lines, PhD, about how the RTI Rarity™ project overlays datasets on an interactive map to identify local social determinants of health and showcase how resources should be allocated to amplify community impact.

The U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard

Postsecondary education seekers have many decisions to make about continuing their education after high school. Listen as RTI expert Patrick Brown, MS, discusses how the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard is providing a wealth of data to inform postsecondary decision-making through a user-friendly website.

Sexual Assaults Recorded by Law Enforcement

This interactive report presents findings on sexual assault victimizations that were reported to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) in 2019 by law enforcement agencies in 20 states. The report disseminates findings on specific crime trends, patterns, and policy implications derived from NIBRS data.

Learn More about Sexual Assaults Recorded by Law Enforcement

The Georgia Prevention Data Hub

A centralized source for substance misuse, mental health, and suicide data is essential for understanding challenges faced by specific populations. Listen as RTI expert Darigg Brown, PhD, discusses how the Georgia Prevention Data Hub links data across agencies to supply policymakers and providers with a one-stop shop for relevant, up-to-date data.

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF’s) Research Community Dashboard

Broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is a key objective of NSF. Hear from RTI expert David Birchfield, PhD, about how the internal Research Community Dashboard is helping NSF track progress toward its goals.