storytelling with data podcast: #92 Why Dashboards Die—and How to Save Them With Allison Horst

storytelling with data podcast

In this episode of the storytelling with data podcast, Simon chats with Allison Horst—developer advocate at Observable, educator, and beloved data illustrator—to explore the difference between dashboards that get used and those that don’t.

They dig into why so many data products go to waste, the importance of co-creating with your audience, and the overlooked power of early feedback. Allison reflects on her experiences helping people go from "I built this thing" to "This actually gets used"—and how teams can better collaborate to avoid dashboard graveyards.

Along the way, they talk about environmental storytelling, visual metaphors, teaching the “gray areas” of data viz, and why curiosity (not perfection) is the key to lasting impact.

Related Links:

• Check out Allison's work at: https://allisonhorst.com/
• Connect with and follow her on LNKD: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-horst/
• Order SWD's latest book, Before & After https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/books