Narrativize

Narrativize is a verb meaning to convert material into a narrative or to present information as a story. The act involves shaping events, data, or experiences to create a coherent arc with emphasis on causal links, characters, and themes, rather than listing facts in isolation.

Origin and usage: the term is formed from narrative with the productive suffix -ize and is related to narrate and narrative. It is used across disciplines to describe the practice of framing content in narrative form while retaining core information. Narrativizing is common in journalism, history, science communication, education, marketing, and user experience design, where a story can make complex material more accessible and memorable.

Approach and techniques: narrativizing often begins with a focal perspective or stakeholder viewpoint, followed by a deliberate sequencing of events or developments. It may involve introducing characters or personas, establishing setting and conflict, and highlighting mechanisms of change or causality. Writers may use case studies, anecdotes, framing devices, recurring motifs, and thematic arcs to guide interpretation and comprehension.

Considerations: while narrativizing can enhance engagement and retention, it can also introduce bias through selective emphasis, framing choices, or simplification of uncertain factors. Critics warn that strong narratives may obscure alternative explanations or data limitations if not carefully balanced with evidence and caveats.

See also: narrativization, narrate, storytelling, data storytelling.