Artificial intelligence has rapidly permeated nearly every professional sector, and the realm of data communication is no exception. It is a rare professional gathering today where the topic does not dominate the conversation, proving that curiosity about generative technologies extends from seasoned analysts to unexpected corners of daily life. This widespread fascination was recently highlighted during a children’s book reading for Daphne Draws Data, where an eight-year-old attendee named Teddy posed a pointed question about artificial intelligence. The phenomenon is equally visible at large industry conferences, where event titles featuring artificial intelligence draw massive crowds. A prime example occurred at Canva Create, where a panel titled “Data Storytelling in the Age of AI” drew the highest-attended breakout audience of the entire day.
Yet, beyond the sheer volume of interest, what remains most striking is the wide spectrum of approaches professionals are taking toward these tools. While some practitioners have yet to integrate artificial intelligence into their daily workflows, others are in the early stages of experimentation, and a growing segment is actively embedding these systems into their core analytical and creative processes. Recognizing this shifting landscape, the Storytelling with Data community has launched a new monthly challenge designed to help practitioners form or expand their perspectives through direct, hands-on experimentation. At the same time, the initiative emphasizes the immense value of collaborative learning, encouraging participants to think critically about the technology and share their unique insights with peers.
The overarching goal for this month’s challenge is to explore how the combination of human intelligence and artificial intelligence can work together to produce a data communication product that is significantly better than either could create independently. Rather than viewing technology as a replacement for human judgment, the initiative frames artificial intelligence as a collaborative partner capable of augmenting human creativity, sharpening messaging, and accelerating production.
The challenge
Participants are tasked with creating a data communication using a collaborative human and artificial intelligence approach. The choice of underlying data is entirely flexible, allowing participants to utilize metrics they can share from their professional work, personal datasets, or any topic that sparks their curiosity. For individuals who may not have a dataset immediately available, alternative options are readily accessible through published practice exercises, such as those featured in the downloadable resources accompanying storytelling with data: let’s practice!.
The core requirement involves working alongside an artificial intelligence tool of the participant’s choice to explore, analyze, or construct their visual output. This collaborative process can manifest in several ways, including early-stage brainstorming, refining and distilling the core message, drafting initial chart layouts, or iterating on visual design choices.
For those who are relative newcomers to the world of artificial intelligence, the recommendation is to start simply, experiment freely, and discover what is currently possible. Practitioners can utilize accessible platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, or any other artificial intelligence tool that catches their interest. Conversely, professionals who already incorporate these tools into their regular routines are encouraged to push their own boundaries by trying entirely different software, experimenting with novel workflows, or discovering new methods of human-machine collaboration.
Throughout the creation process, participants are urged to reflect critically on several key questions: Where is the human adding the most irreplaceable value? Where is the artificial intelligence proving particularly helpful? How can both entities operate together in the most effective harmony? These reflections, along with concrete observations and key learnings, form a vital component of the commentary that must accompany each submission.
Submissions must be shared within the Storytelling with Data community platform by May 31 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Participants are encouraged to specify any particular type of feedback or input they would find most helpful within their project commentary. Furthermore, the organizers stress the importance of community engagement throughout the month, urging members to take time to browse other submissions, exchange perspectives, and contribute constructive feedback and data points through ongoing commentary.
Related resources
To support participants in their exploration, a curated collection of related resources has been made available through the community platform. Because the field of artificial intelligence and data storytelling is evolving at a breakneck pace, community members are also invited to share any additional high-quality resources, articles, or tools they encounter by including them in their project submission commentary.
