When you are approaching a project (especially a large digital project) it is important to consider not only what tool(s) you will use to accomplish your goals, but what kind of project should you even do in the first place. Below are some considerations for determining what direction and then how to choose a tool.
Questions to Ask First #
If you choose a tool first, you may shape your project to fit it instead of letting your ideas lead the way. Below are some questions to think about before embarking on your digital project journey:
- What’s my main goal?
- Start by asking yourself what you want the project to accomplish. Are you trying to inform an audience by presenting clear facts? Do you want to persuade someone to see a point of view or take action? Is your aim to analyze, breaking something down so patterns or causes become visible? Or do you want to tell a story, weaving events and details into a narrative that people will follow? Your goal will shape every other decision you make.
- What do I most want to show?
- Place: Do you want to draw attention to where something happened? A map might make location your centerpiece.
- Time: Are you trying to show when things occurred or how they changed? A timeline or animated sequence may be the best fit.
- Numbers: Do you want to compare amounts, reveal trends, or highlight patterns? Charts and graphs may help translate raw data into something visible.
- Connections: Do you want to highlight relationships—who is connected to whom, or how systems and processes link together? A network visualization or diagram could make those links easier to grasp.
- Objects / Stories: Do you want to bring together artifacts, documents, or images into a curated collection, or tell a narrative that walks your audience through events? A gallery, exhibit, or story-driven format might be the right direction.
- What kind of material do I have?
- Data (numbers, statistics, spreadsheets)
- Texts (documents, quotes, policies)
- Media (photos, videos, sound)
- Locations (places, maps, addresses)
- Events (things that happened over time)
- Different tools and formats work better with different types of material, so knowing what you have helps you narrow your options.
- Who is my audience?
- Think carefully about who will use or view your project. Will they want something quick and visual that can be absorbed in a glance? Do they expect something interactive and exploratory that lets them click, zoom, or filter? Or are they prepared for something deep and detailed, like a full report or long-form narrative? Matching format to audience expectations makes the project more effective.
- What’s my capacity?
- How much time do you actually have to devote to this project?
- Do you want a tool that you can learn quickly and produce something simple, or are you ready to invest more time in mastering something advanced?
- Are you aiming for something that looks professional and portfolio-ready, or is the priority more classroom-focused and functional?
- Knowing your limits at the start prevents frustration later.
- How will I sustain the project?
- Does it need to live online for months or years?
- Do you need to be able to export it—as a screenshot, PDF, or video—for archiving or sharing beyond the web?
- If the tool you’re using stops being supported, what’s your plan to preserve your work?
- A project that looks great but disappears after a semester might be fine for a class. But if it’s something you want in your portfolio, for public use, or as part of an archive, long-term sustainability matters.
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job #
Once you decided on a path, whether it is a creating a data visualization, website, or video you’ll want to figure out which tools will help you get there.
Below is a list of considerations when approaching picking a new tool:
Technical Considerations #
- Features: Evaluate the core functionalities of the tool. Does it meet your specific needs?
- User Interface (UI): Evaluate the design and layout of the tool. If you will be spending time learning this tool what will that experience be like?
- Browser vs. Desktop: Decide whether you need a web-based tool accessible from any device or a desktop application with potentially more robust features. Does an offline mode matter?
- Mobile: Check if the tool has a mobile version or app. This is crucial for on-the-go access and usability. Where will you be working on your project?
Financial Considerations #
- Freemium Features: Many tools offer basic features for free with premium options for advanced functionalities. Assess if the free version meets your needs or if upgrading is necessary.
- Subscription vs. One-time Purchase: Decide between ongoing subscription costs or a one-time purchase. Subscriptions can offer continuous updates, while one-time purchases might be more cost-effective long-term.
- Student Pricing: Look for discounts or special pricing for students. This can make expensive tools more affordable.
- Demo/Trial Period: Take advantage of demo or trial periods to test the tool before committing financially. This is where understanding your core needs are for a project can be helpful in making decisions on purchasing.
Ethical Considerations #
- Privacy/Data Collection: Review the tool’s privacy policies. What personal information is it collecting? What rights is it claiming? How does it handle your data?
- Open Source: Open-source tools can offer more transparency and flexibility. They often have active communities for support and development.
- Accessibility: Ensure the tool is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Look for features like screen reader compatibility and keyboard navigation.
- Environmental: Consider the tool’s environmental impact. Does the company have sustainable practices or initiatives?
Other Considerations #
- Portability/Exporting: Ensure you can easily export your data from the tool. This is important for switching tools or backing up your information.
- Integration with Other Tools: Check if the tool integrates well with other software you use. Seamless integration can enhance workflow efficiency.
- Support and Training Resources: Evaluate the availability of support and training resources. Good documentation, tutorials, and customer support can make a significant difference in your experience.
Updated by Shannon Hauser 09/17/25