From Mathematics to Meaningful Data Stories…

In this edition, we sit down with Hamsini Sukumar, a Data Visualization Specialist at Lumel, to talk about her journey into data visualization, common mistakes she sees in practice, and what makes data truly accessible. Hamsini has been with Lumel for almost three years (since March 2023), where she works closely on designing impactful data visual experiences. 

Hamsini Sukumar is a Data Visualization Specialist with a strong foundation in mathematics and a passion for transforming complex datasets into clear, meaningful visual narratives. With a keen eye for patterns and context, she focuses on designing visualizations that help audiences interpret data accurately and make confident, data-driven decisions. 

She brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to her work, combining best practices in data visualization with practical, real-world applications. Through her sessions and webinars, Hamsini shares actionable insights on how to choose the right visuals, avoid common pitfalls, and communicate data with clarity and purpose. 

1.What do you consider the most rewarding part of your work?

The most gratifying aspect of my work is that I’ve never stopped learning and growing in my role. I’m a big believer in getting out of my comfort zone to constantly explore new ideas and gain new skills, and I’ve been able to do both at Lumel with on-the-job experience and training. I’ve also enjoyed expanding my knowledge with fresh perspectives from leadership and subject matter experts on the team.

2.What motivates you in your work as a data visualization professional?

I am passionate about my work having real-world impact, and I especially enjoy the educative aspects of my role as a data visualization specialist. DataViz sits at the crossroads of the quantitative and qualitative - with data and analytics on one side and communication and storytelling on the other, bringing people together by bridging the gap between different schools of thought. This aspect also ties in well with my own interdisciplinary interests. 

3.How do you use data visualization and analysis in your day-to-day work and decision-making?

Both in the news and on social media, I often notice visualizations that are manipulated to suit a narrative (truncated bar charts to exaggerate differences, for example), or visualizations that simply do not suit the message being conveyed. In an age when we constantly consume a huge quantity of information, being able to parse information from misinformation becomes a critical skill. This is part of what I try to educate people about through my blogs and webinars on DataViz.

4.What initially drew you to data visualization and analysis, and how did you get started in this field?

I was in high school when I first came across two classic books, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information and Envisioning Information by Edward Tufte, which introduced me to a whole new world. These books remain among my favorites. They’re filled with the most engrossing visuals, and Tufte brings his unique perspective to each one of them. In terms of my career, I started out doing Mathematics, and I have a master's in mathematics from TU Kaiserslautern in Germany. This background gave me a firm foundation in data visualization – mathematics is the basis of everything we do with data, and delving into the intricacies of visualization becomes so much easier with this foundation.

5.What are some of the most common data visualization mistakes that you see?

Many of the mistakes I see boil down to two issues – not understanding the data structure or not understanding the chart type used. These are interconnected issues that I’ve seen even from well-known publications and institutions, where unsuitable chart types are used to show certain types of data (think line charts for categorical data), or where the chart type itself is used in the wrong way (pie charts that exceed 100% are a pet peeve!)

6.What do you recommend to help data visualizations remain accessible and understandable to all stakeholders, even those without a technical background?

A “fancy” visual or a more advanced chart type is not necessarily the most effective! Often, unfamiliar chart types take longer to understand and require preparation or explanations that executives might not have time for. In a business context, data visualization is a tool rather than an end in itself, so the important part is to put the focus on your message using the right visuals rather than designing a flashy visual. Incorporating storytelling in tandem with data visualization can go a long way in leading your audience through your insights and ensuring that visualizations are accessible to all stakeholders.

7.What emerging trends in data visualization are you most excited about, and why?

I think one exciting trend in data analysis and visualization is Data Democratization. More and more people are moving away from IT-oriented solutions towards no-code tools, which allow stakeholders from all levels of the organization to handle data and make informed decisions. AI-integration, another emerging trend, could also potentially spur this on.

There is also an ISO project registered for business reporting (based on the IBCS framework), which could bring a lot of clarity to reporting and dashboarding, improving communication across the board.