This document discusses the "Analytic Hero's Journey" framework for conducting data analysis projects. It outlines the key stages of an analysis: establishing a baseline or status quo (Stasis), identifying the need or trigger for change, determining key metrics to measure (The Quest), dealing with unexpected findings (Surprise), making decisions based on results (Critical Choice), seeing the impact of decisions (Climax), and updating the baseline based on learnings (Resolution). The presenter, James Haight, is introduced as a research analyst focusing on data visualization, analytics and emerging technologies.

1. BLUE HILL RESEARCH
The Analytic Hero’s Journey
December 11, 2014
James Haight

2. STASIS TRIGGER THE QUEST SURPRISE
What is the status quo?
How have you
benchmarked your
environment?
How did you identify
the need for change?
What are the key
contributors and
metrics to measure?
Reality always sets in
with unexpected
findings?
CRITICAL CHOICE CLIMAX REVERSAL RESOLUTION
Can you make a
decision based on your
metrics?
The result of the
decision.
Unexpected benefits,
consequences, or
followups.
Current state.
Joseph Campbell
and
The Analytic Hero’s Journey

3. STASIS
What is the status quo?
Stasis is often confused with analysis:
basic dashboards and ongoing log and
time-series analyses.
EVEN SO,
benchmark your environment.

4. TRIGGER
How did you identify the need for change?
$24,300
$16,500
Poorly documented Sales
Well documented Sales
$0 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000
Sales type
Average Amount of Sale
Best shown as
a simple comparison

5. THE QUEST
What are the key contributors and metrics to measure?
Month List
1 25
2 50
3 100
This is often the most
challenging set.
Prioritize based on the key triggers.
Don’t just add metrics because you can.

6. SURPRISE
Reality always sets in with unexpected findings.
When your analysis
provides unexpected
results, don’t rule them
out just because they
don’t fit into your
personal world view.
$5,000,000
$(6,000,000)
$(20,000,000)
$10,000,000
$5,000,000
$-
$(5,000,000)
$(10,000,000)
$(15,000,000)
$(20,000,000)
$(25,000,000)
2013 2014 2015
Year
Projected Revenue

7. CRITICAL CHOICE
Can you make a decision based on your metrics?

8. CLIMAX
The result of the decision.
This is where you show off your success!
Have you transformed a process?
Have you saved money?
Have you increased your customer base?

9. RESOLUTION
Current state
Bring back your Status-era dashboard,
show your results, and include all new
data and findings.

10. ABOUT THE PRESENTER
James Haight
Research Analyst
James Haight is a research analyst at Blue Hill Research focusing on data
visualization, analytics, and emerging enterprise technologies. He also hosts
Blue Hill's Emerging Tech Roundup Podcast, which features interviews with
industry leaders and CEOs on the forefront of a variety of emerging
technologies. Prior to Blue Hill Research, James worked in Radford Consulting's
Executive and Board of Director Compensation practice, specializing in the high
tech and life sciences industries. Currently he serves on the strategic advisory
board of the Bentley Microfinance Group, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
dedicated to community development through funding and consulting
entrepreneurs in the Greater Boston area.
@James_Haight https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesthaight