Visual Literacy

The development and implementation of 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and digital literacy are crucial for modern workforce readiness (Crosta et al., 2023; Markow et al., 2018). This study, led by researchers Lynn Hemmer, Ph.D. and Renée Johnson, M.S. at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, examines the documentation related to skills development programs within a large municipality's learning and development department. 

The data analysis strategy employed Stake’s (1995) case study methodology and Saldaña’s (2016) coding techniques. NVivo software was utilized to facilitate the coding process and volume of qualitative data. The content analysis focused on identifying significant themes and patterns related to the design, delivery, and evaluation of 21st-century skills development programs. 

Overall, the documents examined provide a fundamental framework for designing, delivering, and evaluating 21st-century skills development programs within the municipality's jurisdictional reach. Thematic characterizations of the data suggest a priority for developing specific skills and training programs, reflecting the organization's commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce. 

Challenges identified include aligning organizational priorities and identifying high-demand jobs. Another thematic category synthesized from the data includes additional opportunities for improvement, including the need for enhanced collaboration and the development of local online portals for internships and apprenticeships. Collectively, the aggregated thematic data extracted from these documents serve as a critical component in understanding the current landscape and guiding future workplace skill development initiatives in the region. 

The packed circles chart (Figure 1) illustrates the primary themes that emerged from the document analysis, organized into several key categories: workforce, community, education, skills, data, business, attainment, pathways, certification, and messaging. Within these categories, sub-themes such as workforce needs, workforce success, skilled workforce, student skills, and business community were identified. NVivo software was used to help facilitate the organization and visualization of these themes, ensuring a thorough and systematic data analysis. 

The interactive visual representation in Figure 1 highlights the interconnectedness of various elements involved in the organization's 21st-century skills development programs, emphasizing the comprehensive and multi-faceted approach taken to address the region's workforce needs. 

Knaflic (2019, p. 51) emphasizes the importance of selecting an effective visual to present data, highlighting that there is no single correct method for data visualization and encouraging an iterative approach to find the best representation. With this in mind, an adaptation of the NVivo-generated tree map (Figure 2) was created. Notably missing from the NVivo graphic is an interactive element, along with sample phrases quoted from the content analysis. 

According to Liu and Wu (2023), infographics should be presented with structured and clear visual cues to aid comprehension. They should minimize the cognitive load by using clear labels, logical flow, and minimal text, supporting visual elements for quicker understanding and retention of information (Liu & Wu, 2023).  As urged by Knaflic (2019, Chapter 2) and inspired by Robles’ (n.d.) interactive infographics used in the South China Morning Post, a packed circles chart was created using the hierarchy chart tool in Canva. The intent behind the design created (Figure 1) is to improve upon the tree map (Figure 2) to enhance the audience's understanding of the data through rich narrative illustrations.

To engage the interactive elements of the chart:

1. Click any of the largest-sized circles to zoom in on the grouped themes and sub-themes. 

2. Once zoomed in on a topic, hover your mouse over the smaller circles to view the sub-themes in full.

3. Hovering over the smallest circles reveals a sample statement from that theme and sub-theme. 

4. To return to the full graphic, either click outside of a circle or use the zoom-out magnifying glass icon in the bottom right corner of the graphic. 

5. Note that the numeric figures indicate the frequency of sub-theme references.