# Data-First Visualization Design Studies

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2009.01785 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2009.01785/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 3 Sep 2020.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [The Human-Data-Model Interaction Canvas for Visual Analytics](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2505.07534/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We introduce the notion of a data-first design study which is triggered by the acquisition of real-world data instead of specific stakeholder analysis questions. We propose an adaptation of the design study methodology framework to provide practical guidance and to aid transferability to other data-first design processes. We discuss opportunities and risks by reflecting on two of our own data-first design studies. We review 64 previous design studies and identify 16 of them as edge cases with characteristics that may indicate a data-first design process in action.