grafikonos

Grafikonos is a term used in some data visualization and information design communities to describe a practitioner who specializes in creating graphs and charts that communicate data effectively. The label is not universally recognized as an official occupation and its precise scope may vary by region and organization.

Etymology and usage: The word appears to be a neologism drawing on elements of Greek and design lexicon, and it has gained currency in online discussions and design studios in the 2010s and 2020s. Because there is no formal certification or standard definition, responsibilities differ between contexts.

Role and practices: Typical responsibilities include translating raw data into visual forms; selecting suitable chart types (line, bar, heatmap, treemap, etc.); ensuring accuracy, readability, and accessibility; aligning visuals with audience needs; collaborating with data scientists, editors, or product teams; and producing both static figures for print and interactive dashboards.

Skills and tools: Grafikonos professionals usually combine statistical literacy, information design, color theory, typography, and user-centered design. Proficiency with spreadsheet software, visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI), programming languages (Python, R) for custom plots, and web libraries (D3.js) is common.

Applications and context: Grafikonos are active in journalism, corporate reporting, academia, and education. They are often distinguished from general graphic designers by emphasis on data integrity and fidelity, and from data scientists by focus on presentation rather than model development. The role highlights how visual communication can influence interpretation of quantitative information.