3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
‘The integrity of the story we tell is paramount'
Interactive graphics editor Rodolfo Carlos Pazos says the goal is to create visuals that complement and enhance the written word, helping to tell stories that inform, resonate and inspire action.
Rodolfo Carlos Pazos, 42
Portrait
Mr Rodolfo Carlos Pazos was born in Argentina and trained in Fine Arts in Bologna, Italy. He worked in newsrooms across Europe, Australia and Singapore before joining The Straits Times as creative director in 2015. As technology evolved, he built up the digital storytelling and interactive graphics team, pioneering new approaches to visual stories, data visualisation and immersive formats like augmented and virtual reality.
'Our effort has been to push the boundaries of how we tell stories,' says Mr Pazos, 42.
Under his leadership, the team has earned global recognition, including 11 Society for News Design awards in 2023 and 51 in 2024, with multiple golds. At the 2025 Wan-Ifra Digital Media Awards Asia, the team won five awards, including golds for Best News Website and Best Data Visualisation. Their digital work has kept readers engaged through major events such as Mr Lee Kuan Yew's death, general elections and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Recollections
'Visual stories allow us to break down complex issues into digestible, engaging pieces that invite readers to explore and learn at their own pace. It's about transforming data into stories and creating a visual language that anyone can understand, regardless of their background. Whether it's explaining the spread of a pandemic, breaking down election results or visualising a complex economic trend, the visual element often makes these stories more accessible, memorable and impactful.
At the core of everything we do is the belief that the story matters most. A compelling story not only informs, but also connects with the audience. While the medium we use – whether it's data visualisation, animation or 3D visuals – is important, the integrity of the story we tell is paramount.
As visual journalists, we are entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining accuracy, especially when presenting data. An incorrect figure or misleading visualisation can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
In today's fast-paced digital world, misinformation can spread quickly. Accuracy is the foundation of any good visual story, and our responsibility is to present the facts clearly, ensuring that the narrative is truthful and supported by solid data.
Innovation is one of the key pillars of modern journalism. As technology advances, so must our approach to storytelling. Interactive graphics, data visualisation and augmented reality are just some of the tools that allow us to push the boundaries of what's possible in visual journalism.
By creating immersive experiences, we not only inform, but also evoke emotions and spark conversations. Presenting news in innovative ways ensures that our work stands out, making each piece memorable for our audience.
In the newsroom, collaboration is key. Journalists, developers and designers come together to tell stories that are greater than the sum of their parts. Each person brings a unique perspective and expertise to the table, ensuring that the final product is not only visually compelling but also accurate and relevant. Our goal is to create visuals that complement and enhance the written word, helping to tell stories that inform, resonate and inspire action.'
