1. Project Objective

To extract data from a publicly available dataset (Real GDP) and create an interactive web-based dashboard that visualizes economic trends from 2010 to the present, without requiring advanced technical skills.

2. Process Overview

Step 1: Define Your Data Visualization Goals

Effective Prompt:

I would like to extract the data from a publicly available data set, then use the data to create dashboards on a web page. What steps would you take to accomplish this?

Why This Works:

• Establishes the general objective without specifying technical details
• Invites the AI to outline a comprehensive approach
• Allows the AI to suggest relevant technologies and methods

Step 2: Share Your Dataset

Effective Prompt:

Here is the dataset in CSV. I would like to extract all GDP data from 2010 to its latest availability.

Why This Works:

• Provides specific context about the data source
• Gives clear parameters for data filtering (time period)
• Allows the AI to understand the data structure

Step 3: Request Data Analysis and Visualization

Effective Prompt: The AI will typically analyze the data automatically when provided, but you can direct this process with:

Can you visualize the monthly profit data for me?

Why This Works:

• Asks for a specific output (visualization)
• Keeps the request simple and focused
• Lets the AI apply appropriate visualization techniques

Step 4: Specify Deployment Method

Effective Prompt:

What ways could I deploy this?

Why This Works:

• Opens discussion about implementation options
• Helps evaluate technical complexity of different approaches
• Allows the AI to suggest methods matching your technical comfort level

Step 5: Choose Deployment Approach

Effective Prompt:

Shared hosting. Could I just add as custom HTML onto a page?

Why This Works:

• Specifies your preferred technical approach
• Asks about feasibility of a specific implementation
• Guides the conversation toward practical solutions

Step 6: Request Implementation Instructions

Effective Prompt:

How do I upload files to a web server for shared hosting?

Why This Works:

• Requests specific technical guidance for implementation
• Acknowledges areas where you need additional support
• Focuses on practical next steps

Step 7: Troubleshoot Issues

Effective Prompt:

I'm getting [specific error]. What should I do?

Why This Works:

• Provides specific error information
• Allows targeted troubleshooting
• Keeps the process moving forward despite obstacles

Step 8: Request Simplification When Needed

Effective Prompt:

This does not look like what I expected. Can we try a simpler approach?

Why This Works:

• Acknowledges when a solution is too complex
• Redirects effort toward more accessible solutions
• Ensures the final product meets your needs

3. Troubleshooting Involved

• Complex React Build Process: When the React build process proved challenging, we pivoted to a simpler standalone HTML solution.
• MIME Type Errors: When loading external libraries caused MIME type errors, we switched to more universally compatible libraries.
• Chart Display Issues: When charts weren't visible in the dashboard, we created a simplified version with explicit height settings.
• Permission Issues: When npm install commands faced permission errors, we suggested alternative approaches like using npx.

4. Prompt Recommendations for Future Projects

For more efficient data visualization projects, consider including these elements in your initial prompts:

• Data format specifications: "This data is in CSV format with these columns: [column names]"
• Visualization preferences: "I prefer interactive visualizations with filtering capabilities and tooltips"
• Technical constraints: "I have basic HTML knowledge but am not familiar with React or advanced JavaScript frameworks"
• Deployment environment details: "I'll be deploying this on a WordPress site with limited plugin capabilities"
• Target audience information: "This visualization will be viewed by non-technical users who need to understand economic trends"
• Interactivity requirements: "Users should be able to toggle between different chart types and time periods"
• Performance considerations: "This needs to load quickly even on slower connections"
• Mobile responsiveness needs: "The visualization should work well on both desktop and mobile devices"

By following this structured approach and using effective prompts, you can successfully create data visualizations from public datasets without extensive technical expertise, leveraging AI assistance throughout the process.