Click here to download this week's dataset as a CSV

Click here to download this week's dataset as a Hyper Extract

Dataviz Approach and Data Storytelling

For this dataset, I wanted to look at the changing dynamic between the top 10 brewers and all of the other brewers. To do this, I wanted to take advantage of the theme and use a filled shape chart to add some visual interest to the viz. I used a pretty simple method detailed by Kevin Flerlage. He details how to create a bar chart, then prepare an image with a transparent shape to float over the bar chart on the dashboard.

This method creates a really nice looking visual, but because there is an image over the actual viz, it is impossible to interact with. Thanks to Tableau 2018.3 and transparent backgrounds, I was able to take Kevin's method one step further and add in functional tooltips. I duplicated my base bar chart, and adjusted the opacity of the color card to 0%, making the bars transparent. I then formatted the sheet, choosing none as the background color, and added the worksheet to my dashboard. By floating all of the elements on the dashboard, I was able to ensure that my 'invisible' tooltip worksheet was able to be on top, and accessible to the user.

The last piece of this viz was some additional interactivity. I wanted to allow the user to choose between percent of total and total barrels. Because I broke the bar charts into two rows, to make this work without impacting my axes, I had to use my parameter as a sheet selector, driving whether the percent of total or total barrels sheets were shown. Both the actual bar charts and the tooltip sheets had this method applied, ensuring that the tooltips and data lined up perfectly.

There's still time to have your take on the data! We'd love to see what you can uncover! Download the data and see what you can do. Create your viz and post your work to Tableau Public and Twitter with the hashtag #ThrowbackDataThursday, tagging @TThrowbackThurs. We'd really love to see what you can come up with!

Data Source

This week's dataset comes from Beer History. Please be sure to cite the source on your viz. The photo on this page is from the Baltimore Sun.