Data-Driven Formats in Political Communication
Data-driven formats are gaining importance in political communication. With the increasing availability of data from various sources such as documents, websites, and social networks, it’s essential to harness this information effectively. The key lies in identifying relevant data, analyzing it, and presenting it in a coherent manner.
What do the results look like?
An example of a data-driven format is an interactive position paper. Published as a subpage on an association’s or company’s website, it combines arguments and positions with corresponding interactive diagrams and additional information.
Dashboards and sentiment barometers that visualize statements from politicians or influential multipliers on a website can help amplify a topic in political debates.
Data-driven formats can also be utilized for internal political monitoring. By analyzing the number of motions, inquiries, statements, and other documents, one can assess the political relevance of a topic.
What is the specific added value?
When attractively and interactively visualized, data-driven formats capture attention. They are more digestible than lengthy continuous text. The more current and transparent the collected data and their sources are, the more convincing they become.
How do we proceed?
- Conceptualize
Before data collection begins, a solid concept is essential. A precise alignment with the client is crucial, addressing questions such as:
- What should the data-driven format achieve?
- Which target audience should be reached?
- Which data is suitable and where can it be found?
- Aggregate
Once the concept is established, data collection commences. Data can be sourced from:
- Unstructured data from the internet using web scraping and automation tools.
- Client’s existing data sources.
- Own data collection through surveys or expert interviews if necessary.
- Analyze
The core question is: What insights can be derived from the data? This involves both quantitative evaluations, such as frequency analyses, and qualitative analyses to identify patterns in political debates.
- Visualize
Finally, the analyzed data is presented interactively, visually appealing, and comprehensibly on a website. Options include charts, interactive maps, and topic clusters.
In summary, data-driven formats offer the opportunity to present complex information clearly and convincingly, thereby enhancing political communication.
