storytelling with data podcast: #95 Structure Liberates – Why Your Data Needs a Style Guide with Maxine Graze

storytelling with data podcast: #95 Structure Liberates – Why Your Data Needs a Style Guide with Maxine Graze

From storytelling with data podcast by storytelling with data

February 9, 2026 · 46 min · Episode 95

About this episode

In this episode, Simon Rowe chats with Maxine Graze about building data visualization style guides and the importance of structure in data storytelling.

How do you ensure your data visuals are consistently effective—and on brand? In this episode, SWD data storyteller, Simon Rowe chats with Maxine Graze, Senior Data Visualization Engineer at King, about the process of building data visualization style guides. They explore why “structure liberates,” how to balance aesthetics with usability, and why stakeholder feedback is critical. Whether you're designing for dashboards or decks, you'll walk away with ideas on how to bring clarity and consistency to your data storytelling. Related Links: datavizstyleguide.com – Explore open-source data visualization guidelines Better Data Visualizations by Jonathan Schwabish – The book that sparked Maxine’s journey Storytelling with Data Resources – Tools, tips, and templates from the SWD team

People in this episode

Host: Simon Rowe

Guest: Maxine Graze

Topics covered

  • data visualization
  • style guides
  • stakeholder feedback
  • clarity
  • consistency

Keywords

  • data visuals
  • style guide
  • aesthetics
  • usability
  • data storytelling

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: King, storytelling with data, datavizstyleguide.com

Books & works: Better Data Visualizations

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