Recently, we challenged information design enthusiasts of all experience levels to use Nielsen data and create compelling visual stories and insights as part of the Nielsen Data Visualization Contest. We’re pleased to announce the winner of the Judge’s Choice Award is Dustin Poh, a student at Montclair State University.

Now, Nielsen is calling on data visualization enthusiasts from around the world to cast their vote for the Fan Favorite award.

A panel of Nielsen Data Visualization Contest judges scored the entries for innovation and beauty in design and accuracy of interpretation, and has narrowed the field down to a select group of finalists for the Fan Favorite portion of the contest.

“There was great diversity in the interpretation of the data. Some people told a story, some made the data interactive, and others focused on intriguing visuals,” said Ana Mackay-Sim, Nielsen’s Global Creative Director.

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Dustin Poh is currently completing his degree in graphic design, after serving in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He decided to enter the contest to help build his portfolio as he prepares for a career in marketing and design. For him the contest was “a good opportunity to work with real-world data” while building out his portfolio.

“Before I joined the military, design was always something I wanted to do,” Dustin said “I always had an interest, and college has given me the skills.”

When deciding how to tell the story for his entry, Dustin said it “depends on your audience demographic and your content. I spent so many hours reading over it, trying to connect the dots between stories.”

He started his design by looking at the data, mapping out his ideas, bullet-pointing key statistics to include in his story and ultimately deciding an infographic as his presentation medium because “infographics tend to be more content driven.”

As the winner of the Nielsen Data Visualization Contest Judge’s Choice, Dustin will receive $2,000 in American Express Rewards cards and other prizes. The Fan Favorite winner will receive a similar prize package, so be sure to cast your vote here! Public voting will remain open through May 21, 2012 at 5pm ET, so please visit the contest page and vote for your favorites.