What if Picasso were an Analyst.
Imagine if Picasso, the master of abstraction and form, applied his techniques to data analysis. His approach to breaking down complexity into simplicity mirrors what analysts aim to achieve with data. We see data as an art form—just as Picasso saw art. It’s about transforming complexity into something meaningful, something that connects.
An idea is a point of departure and no more. As soon as you elaborate it, it becomes transformed by thought.
- Pablo Picasso
Picasso’s words resonate deeply with data analysis, where the initial idea is just the beginning. Like Picasso, we believe that true insight emerges when we delve deeper, transforming raw data through layers of perspective and purpose. It’s about moving beyond the obvious, uncovering the hidden patterns, and shaping each insight into something meaningful. Just as Picasso turned complexity into clarity, effective data analysis brings simplicity and vision to the surface.
Picasso’s Techniques and How They Inform Data Analysis:
Cubism and Multiple Perspectives:
Picasso’s cubist works gave viewers multiple angles at once. In analysis, we achieve the same effect by breaking data into layers—offering insights from various perspectives that build a clearer, fuller picture of the story.
Colour and Emotion:
Just as Picasso used bold colours to draw attention and evoke feelings, analysts use colour to highlight key insights and create visual hierarchy. The right colour choices in data visualisations can transform raw numbers into a narrative that resonates emotionally.
Simplicity in Abstraction:
Picasso often stripped his subjects down to their simplest forms, distilling the essence of the message. In analysis, simplicity is key. We cut through the noise to uncover the most important insights that drive action.
Breaking Barriers: Making Data as Accessible as Art
Picasso broke down barriers, making art accessible to all. In the same way, data shouldn’t be locked behind complexity. At Simple Cause, we aim to make data accessible, turning it into something everyone can understand and engage with. Like a piece of art in a gallery, well-presented data opens up new ways of seeing the world.
The Science of Simplicity.
Just as Picasso’s compositions had underlying geometric structures, there’s a science to great data presentation. Research shows that simplicity not only makes information more engaging but also makes it easier for people to trust and act on. Whether in art or analysis, simplicity has the power to inspire.