The power of visualization

The power of visualization, originally uploaded by dgray_xplane.

Visualization has the power to reveal things that are hidden and generate new insights.

Theyrule is a perfect example. It allows you to visually map the kieretsu-like relationships between board members of major publicly-traded companies.

I used theyrule to make the map above, which shows how the boards of Microsoft and Xerox are connected via General Electric.

The data was collected from company websites and SEC filings in early 2004, so it may not be completely accurate - companies merge and disappear and directors shift boards.

See what you can discover.