Lessons in Analytics From Stranger Things 002

Joyce Byers — The Map Maker (1984… mostly)

In our first article inspired by Stranger Things, we focused on the communication challenges of Hawkins, Indiana and the super-powered Dustin Henderson’s exceptional communication. But some things, say extra-dimensional monsters, are not easy to talk about. Somethings are hard to understand… unless you have a map.

Joyce Byers, played by Winona Ryder, is the series map maker. Through two straight years of chaos and confusion, Joyce manages to piece it altogether. She uses lights, alphabet decoder rings, and maps out giant tunnel systems.

Maps are an easy tool to improve your analytic reach, but unlike Joyce, analysts do not want to arrive at map-making in a final act of desperation. Map-making should be a much earlier and fundamental part of your analytic process.

In 1984, Joyce gets a little wiser and starts her mapping process earlier. Rather than following paths of glowing lights, decorating her house to mimic Close Encounters, and creating graffiti inspired decoder rings — she starts with some simple drawings. Of course, simple things often get complicated.

Starting early allows Joyce to be a bit more calm and deliberate in trying to interpret her map. It allows her to utilize the talents and interpretation skills of others. It even makes the map portable. Maps are pretty useful things… even the Stranger sort.