After careful consideration of my next portfolio project, I am now proceeding with a data visualisation initiative that will demonstrate my full-stack and user experience design capabilities. The objective of this project is to create a compelling, long-term asset that not only showcases my technical skills but also provides a structured foundation for my blog content.
Initially, I had planned to develop a music data visualization tool using a Kaggle dataset. This concept offered a clear pathway for demonstrating key front-end skills. However, upon further review, I determined that a more personal and data-rich subject would lead to a more impactful and unique outcome. Instead, I have decided to pivot the project to focus on book reading habits.
I will be utilising a Google dataset that I have previously engaged with, which is currently hosted on my GitHub. This dataset is a superior choice, as it provides a comprehensive range of data points beyond simple titles and authors, including publication dates, genres, and reader ratings. This shift in focus ensures a deeper and more meaningful analysis, allowing for the development of a more sophisticated application.
The project will be built using React, with the primary goal of creating a series of interactive data visualizations. I intend to leverage a charting library such as Nivo or Recharts to present the data effectively, from a chronological timeline of my reading history to heatmaps illustrating genre preferences over time. My background in UX design will be critical in ensuring that the visualisations are not only accurate but also intuitive and user-friendly. This project provides a robust platform for demonstrating my ability to manage complex datasets, construct a resilient front-end, and design a compelling user experience.
Throughout the development process, I will be documenting my progress on this blog. My posts will detail the project’s evolution from its inception to its final implementation. I will cover technical challenges and their resolutions, from setting up the React environment to the methodologies employed for data cleaning and the rationale behind my design choices. This project serves as an opportunity to both refine my technical skills and articulate a compelling story through data.
Emmanuella Online 