Data visualization of teen birth rate data using freely available rapid prototyping tools

Making sense of large data sets can be challenging without visual aids. The purpose of this project was to use freely available, web-based tools to rapidly visualize and enable the exploration of relationships within a complex data set. The data set leveraged was teen birth statistics in Texas from 2001 - 2004. This information is used by researchers and public health administrators for public health decision making. Current tools used to explore this data set are table driven and are difficult to use. Using data presented in Exhibit, an open-source publishing framework, end users were able to successfully explore a complex data set. Given the users' enthusiastic response to the displays, we conclude that this tool is appropriate and useful for this purpose. The relatively low cost and effort to set up and maintain this display makes it ideal for organizations with low budgets and limited resources, but with a need to analyze complex data sets.