By MC2 Shawn J. Stewart

Joe DeMike, Head of Google's Customer Experience Lab, shares insight on effective data visualization during a presentation to NPS students in Glasgow Hall, Nov. 5. In his position at the technology giant, DeMike serves as a key figure in Google's efforts to improve advertising and marketing products through data.

"It's been nine years since I got out of the Army and coming back to an active military environment was a bit intimidating," DeMike said of his brief time at NPS. "But everyone was very friendly and they were interested in what I had to say."

DeMike's presentation served as a crash course into the psychology behind the presentation of information. Visual content elements like charts, colors, word choice, page layout, and even font usage, seem simple, but can be quite strategic when utilized effectively.

"I know students will be creating data that will be useful to decision makers, but they have to take that information and turn it into really strategic, pointed insights," said DeMike. "These insights have to be focused in a way that helps the decision makers. But be careful not to put in too much data, as it can overcomplicate."

Lt. Cmdr. Marina Witwer, an operations analysis student in attendance, had high praises for the presentation.

"It was very exciting to see the psychology behind data visualization," said Witwer. "Joe was very engaging with us, and really helped to shed light on the thought processes behind getting data in front of people.

"The biggest takeaway for me was the 'less is more' approach. It shows that simple doesn't mean bland, and can be more effective than dumping a sensory overload of data on decision makers," she continued.

Prior to joining Google in 2010, DeMike founded and led a successful content marketing agency. He also served as a U.S. Army officer for eight years, leading an Armored Cavalry Division in Baghdad, Iraq.