BLOB Vision
An open-source collaboration with global contributors focused on defining and implementing new standards for data visualization, making complex data more accessible and meaningful.
Collaborators
Maximilian Becht
Prototyping and Design
Tara Monheim
Communication & Design
Hochschule für Gestaltung
Hosting University
About
The BLOB Vision initiative
BLOB Vision is an open-source initiative that brings together experts in data science, design, accessibility, and user experience to develop next-generation data visualization standards and tools. Our goal is to make complex data more understandable, accessible, and actionable for everyone.
Mission
To create open, accessible, and effective standards for data visualization that bridge the gap between technical complexity and human understanding.
Vision
A world where data is universally accessible and understandable, empowering individuals and organizations to make better decisions based on evidence.
Key Achievements
- Published the BLOB Vision Standard v1.0, adopted by over 50 organizations
- Released open-source visualization libraries in JavaScript, Python, and R
- Hosted three international conferences on data visualization best practices
- Created accessibility guidelines that ensure visualizations work for everyone
Standards
Our data visualization framework
The BLOB Vision Framework
Our framework provides a comprehensive approach to data visualization that considers:
Clarity
Principles that ensure visualizations communicate data clearly without distortion or ambiguity
Accessibility
Guidelines to make visualizations perceivable and understandable by people with diverse abilities
Consistency
Standards for creating visual languages that maintain meaning across different contexts
Interactivity
Methods for creating visualizations that respond to user input and exploration
Adaptability
Approaches to make visualizations work across different devices and contexts
Ethics
Guidelines for responsible visualization that respects privacy and avoids manipulation
Tools
Open-source implementations
We provide a range of open-source tools and libraries that implement the BLOB Vision standards, making it easy for developers and analysts to create effective visualizations.
BlobVis.js
A JavaScript library for creating web-based visualizations that follow the BLOB Vision standards.
PyBlobVis
A Python package for data scientists and analysts that integrates with popular data science tools.
BlobVis for R
An R package that brings the BLOB Vision standards to the R statistical ecosystem.
Accessibility Validator
A tool to check visualizations against accessibility guidelines and provide recommendations.
Developer Resources
Explore our comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and examples to start implementing BLOB Vision standards in your projects.
Visit Developer HubCommunity
Join our global collaboration
BLOB Vision is a community-driven project with contributors from around the world. We welcome participation from anyone interested in improving how data is visualized and understood.
Get Involved
- Join our open discussions on GitHub
- Contribute code to our open-source libraries
- Help improve documentation and examples
- Share feedback on standards and specifications
- Participate in user testing and research
Community Events
Monthly Community Calls
Last Tuesday of every month, 3PM UTC
Annual Conference
BLOB Vision Conference 2025, Barcelona, October 15-17
Regional Workshops
Check our calendar for upcoming events near you