Data Beads Visualization Project Shortlisted for Prestigious Award

2025.05.16.

Eszter Katona, assistant professor at the Department of Social Research Methodology, ELTE Faculty of Social Sciences and Mihály Minkó, researcher at MOME University, have jointly developed Data Beads—a grassroots initiative that takes data visualization beyond the screen and turns it into wearable, everyday objects.

Data Beads transforms data into simple, handmade bracelets, making data fun, accessible, and tangible. For Eszter and Misi, it’s an inspiring hobby—and more than that, a tool for sparking conversations and curiosity. These data-inspired bracelets act as conversation starters and aim to improve data literacy in a creative and approachable way, all while preserving traditional craft techniques.

Their initiative has sparked a growing community of people who create similar data-driven objects using beading, embroidery, and crochet.

Now, Data Beads is shortlisted for the Information is Beautiful Award, which has celebrated excellence in data visualization, infographics, and information art since 2012.

You can learn more at databeads.eu, and support Eszter and Misi’s project by voting for them on the award’s website.