The Data-Wink Ratio: Emoji Encoder for Generating Semantically-Resonant Unit Charts

TL;DR

This paper introduces the Emoji Encoder, a tool that creates emoji-based unit charts to make data insights more engaging and accessible in text-based communication platforms.

Contribution

It presents a novel emoji recommendation system for generating semantic unit charts that enhance data storytelling in informal communication channels.

Findings

Emoji Encoder generates relevant emoji sets for data categories.

Emoji-based charts can effectively communicate data trends and comparisons.

The approach facilitates engaging data sharing in text-centric environments.

Abstract

Communicating data insights in an accessible and engaging manner to a broader audience remains a significant challenge. To address this problem, we introduce the Emoji Encoder, a tool that generates a set of emoji recommendations for the field and category names appearing in a tabular dataset. The selected set of emoji encodings can be used to generate configurable unit charts that combine plain text and emojis as word-scale graphics. These charts can serve to contrast values across multiple quantitative fields for each row in the data or to communicate trends over time. Any resulting chart is simply a block of text characters, meaning that it can be directly copied into a text message or posted on a communication platform such as Slack or Teams. This work represents a step toward our larger goal of developing novel, fun, and succinct data storytelling experiences that engage those who do not identify as data analysts. Emoji-based unit charts can offer contextual cues related to the data at the center of a conversation on platforms where emoji-rich communication is typical.