Interactive Space Assessment in Tableau

Maggie Faber, UW Libraries

Libraries need a tool for understanding observational space count data that’s as flexible as the spaces they’re trying to assess. Rows and rows of numbers are difficult to interrogate and understand with any degree of nuance – whether that’s observing how one particular space is used compared to the whole, or how popular a particular kind of seating is by time of day. Interactive visualization provides one possible solution to this problem. By building a map of the space and connecting it to the data, libraries are able to see patterns and query them on the fly. The ability to subdivide and cross-section your data allows you to answer the questions you’re particularly interested in, and supports finding new answers to the questions you develop. This poster presentation draws on examples from two Libraries: the University of Washington and University of British Columbia. At the University of Washington, space use data was collected in order to assist staff at Foster Business Library to test observations about under-utilized areas of the library and imagine ways to reconfigure these spaces, while at the University of British Columbia, renovations to the Student Union Building resulted in overcapacity and a need to maximize seating in overpopulated areas. Based on these two case studies, the poster will provide attendees with a list of key steps involved in building interactive space visualizations using Tableau. The poster presentation will also highlight ways to interpret and query results to reveal insights into space usage. Attendees will learn about various options for effectively visualizing space data and helping libraries staff work with results.