Interactive examples

MSNBC interactive editor Vu Nguyen discusses stimulus tracker

• español

I was pleasantly surprised to see Vu Nguyen’s blog “BiofusionDesign” come back alive recently with several posts about his latest mapping projects at MSNBC. The best part about it is that he discusses what tools he used for specific projects, and other “behind the scenes” information. If graphics interest you, I would highly suggest checking out Vu’s site for inspirational projects, insights and tips about the field.

Vu is definitely one to watch for data visualization inspiration. He went straight to The New York Times out of college as a graphics editor, where he received golds from both Malofiej and SNDies for his innovative piece, “Climbing Kilimanjaro.”

While obtaining his undergraduate degree at UNC, he excelled at graphics design and 3D animation. Early projects of his (under the direction of Alberto Cairo) include mapping the architecture of Arequipa, Peru, constructing and animating a 3D character named eDEOT, and creating an infographic on a giant squid, among others. For his more recent projects, scroll through his portfolio site, which is filled with maps and interactive graphics on every imaginable topic.

While I may have embarrassed Vu by highlighting some of his earlier work, I think it’s important to note his progress from student to professional as he worked towards his current role as interactive editor at MSNBC. Do I also need to point out that he is still in his 20’s? His story definitely gives us all a little hope when we imagine where we could be five years from now …

For his latest stimulus tracker map, Vu mentioned that he utilized Django for the server-side code, Flash AS3 for the map, and a custom-built map engine to parse ESRI shape files. If you are curious to learn more about the construction of this project, check out the full blog post over at BiofusionDesign.

While you’re there, make sure to read about his insights on MSNBC’s swine flu maps and the adversity index map.

Thanks for sharing your tips with us Vu, and please keep at it!

Other posts that might interest you:

• Two interactive energy maps, one main difference: usability
• MSNBC takes the lead in innovation efforts for multimedia presentations
• Data visualization tools for free or cheap

© 22 November 2009 Innovative Interactivity.