Tell a data story. Visualize a better world.
In collaboration with the World Bank, the United Nations Foundation, and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, Google Cloud is hosting a data storytelling contest called Visualize 2030.
If you’re a college or graduate student, this is your chance to make an impact on the global community.
The 2030 Agenda
From ending poverty to preserving biodiversity, The 2030 Agenda is made up of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that define a plan of action for people, planet, and prosperity. These goals seek to meaningfully transform three critical areas: ending poverty, helping society, and preserving the environment.
The challenge
Tell a data-driven story that reveals how at least two SDGs influence each other and what actions might be taken in order to reach those goals by 2030.
The reward
The top five eligible submissions will receive:
- $10,000 (USD) cash prize
-
Announcement during the
UN World Data Forum - Publication by Google Cloud
Your toolbox
Data
To participate in the contest, you must use data from at least one of the newly available BigQuery public datasets provided by the UN Statistics Division and the World Bank. Any outside datasets will not be considered and will result in your application being disqualified.
Visualization
You will be able to access the datasets directly through Google Data Studio, a free service for analysis, visualization, and reporting. You must use Data Studio to visualize the data and create your data story.
How to enter
Key dates
July 25
Sep 30
Oct 22
See if you’re eligible
To apply, you must be at least 18 years old and an actively-enrolled student at the college or graduate level. You must also be based in a country in which Data Studio is available. See the Visualize 2030 Official Rules for the full eligibility details.
Join the Visualize 2030 Google Group
To access the official data sources and project information that you will need to get started, join the Visualize 2030 Data Stories for the SDGs Google Group.
Submit your data story
Once you’re ready to submit your data story, fill out the submission form. The submission deadline is September 30, 2018. Contest judges will be selecting a total of five winners to be announced during the UN World Data Forum.
See what makes a winning story
Data first
Start with the data. Approach it as a scientist would: observe, hypothesize, and test your hypothesis against the data. The data should dictate the visualization, not the other way around.
Narrative arc
Build a narrative framework around your findings. What is the exposition? The rising action? The climax? And finally, propose a solution that may help achieve two or more of the SDGs by 2030.
Interactivity
Invite audiences to engage with your data story and ask their own questions of the data. This adds a sense of discovery to the interrelated threads and findings.
Design language
Maintain a unique look and feel throughout your work. Make font, size, alignment, and color purposeful. Ensure that the design guides your audience along your narrative arc.
Accessibility
Ensure access to your insights by designing your data story with a global audience in mind. In order to achieve the 2030 Agenda, your visualizations and story need to be easily understood by all.
Get inspired
Spread the word and share your data story with #visualize2030
Data Solutions for Change
Visualize 2030 is an extension of Google Cloud’s Data Solutions for Change initiative, where nonprofit organizations and NGOs have the opportunity to apply big data to real-world challenges.
Learn more