1 Economic Outlook Quick Start Guide

1.1 Welcome to Our New Interactive Experience!

Our annual Economic Outlook publication now features interactive graphs powered by Shiny.io, replacing the previous static visualizations. These enhanced graphs allow you to explore economic data dynamically, customize views, and gain deeper insights into Santa Barbara County, national economic trends, and questions YOU want to ask.

1.1.1 Getting Started

Basic Navigation Interactive graphs respond to your specifications through several methods. Hover your cursor over any data point to reveal detailed information including specific values, time periods, and contextual data. Click and drag across chart areas to zoom into specific time ranges or data segments. Use the reset button, typically located in the upper right corner of each graph, to return to the default view.

Customizing Your View Most graphs include drop-down menus or selection panels that allow you to filter data by different criteria. You can typically adjust time periods, select specific economic indicators, or compare different geographic regions. Look for control panels positioned above or alongside each visualization. Comparing Data Many graphs support multiple data series simultaneously. Use the legend or selection controls to add or remove different economic indicators, enabling side-by-side comparisons of trends such as employment rates, housing costs, or business growth metrics.

1.1.2 Key Features to Explore

Normalization Many economic indicators can be displayed using different measurement scales or baseline references to facilitate meaningful comparisons. Normalization options allow you to view data as percentages, per capita figures, or indexed values relative to a specific time period. This functionality proves particularly valuable when comparing economic indicators across different geographic regions or time periods where absolute values might obscure underlying trends. For instance, comparing employment growth between Santa Barbara County and national averages becomes more meaningful when both datasets are normalized to show percentage changes from a common baseline year.

Seasonal Adjustments This feature is essential when analyzing indicators such as employment levels, retail sales, or construction activity that typically experience seasonal variations, like winter holidays or summer camp hiring. By toggling between seasonally adjusted and non-adjusted views, you can distinguish between temporary seasonal effects and genuine economic shifts, leading to more accurate interpretation of economic conditions and trends.

Interactive Dropdown menus Many graphs include dropdown menus that allow you to select specific data series, geographic regions, or time periods. This functionality enables you to tailor the visualization to your research needs, focusing on the most relevant indicators or comparisons.

Downloading Graphs Most interactive graphs include export options that allow you to save customized views as images or download underlying data in spreadsheet format. Look for the camera button on the top right-hand side within each visualization.

1.2 Frequently Asked Questions

1.2.1 What happened to the static graphs from previous years?

We have upgraded our Economic Outlook Report to feature interactive graphs that provide enhanced functionality and deeper data exploration capabilities. The same underlying economic data and analysis remain available, but now with improved visualization tools that allow for customization and dynamic interaction.

1.2.2 Do I need to install any software to use the interactive graphs?

No additional software installation is required. The interactive graphs run directly in your web browser using modern web technologies. Simply access our website using a current version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge to begin exploring the data.

1.2.3 Why are the graphs loading slowly or not displaying properly?

Graph loading speeds depend on your internet connection, the complexity of the dataset being displayed, or the Shiny.io server. If graphs are not loading properly, try refreshing your browser page or clearing your browser cache.

1.2.4 Can I use these graphs on my mobile device?

Yes, the interactive graphs are designed to be responsive and function on mobile devices including smartphones and tablets. However, for the most comprehensive experience and full access to all interactive features, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer with a larger screen.

1.2.5 How do I export or save a customized graph view?

Most interactive graphs include export functionality accessible through buttons or menu options within each visualization. Look for the camera button.

1.2.6 Can I compare multiple economic indicators simultaneously?

Yes, many of our interactive graphs support multiple data series display. Look for selection controls, checkboxes, or dropdown menus that allow you to add or remove different economic indicators from the same visualization.

1.2.7 How current is the data displayed in the interactive graphs?

The interactive graphs are updated regularly to reflect the most recent economic data available. The text is updated annually, but the data on the graphs are updated when the data becomes available. Some data is updated on a monthly basis, quarterly, or annual. Our graduate students and interns work tirelessly to ensure that the graphs reflect the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.

1.2.8 What if I want to focus on a specific time period or zoom into certain data?

Use the zoom functionality by clicking and dragging across the desired time range within any graph. Most visualizations also include time period selection controls that allow you to specify exact date ranges. The reset button (home icon) will return you to the full dataset view when needed.

1.2.9 Can I download the raw data behind the graphs?

No, but if you would like the raw data, please reach out to us at

1.2.10 How should I cite these interactive graphs in my research or presentations?

When citing our interactive graphs, reference the UCSB Economic Forecast Project with the access year.

1.2.11 Can I embed these graphs in my own presentations or website?

For presentations, we recommend using the export functionality or screenshots to create static images of your customized views. If you need to share interactive functionality with others, direct them to our Economic Outlook Report publication where they can explore the data themselves.

1.2.12 Will you provide training sessions on using the new interactive features?

We are working to create a video training session on how to use the interactive graphs effectively. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore the graphs and familiarize yourself with their features. If you have specific questions or need assistance, please reach out to our research team at

1.2.13 How can I provide feedback about the interactive graphs or suggest improvements?

We welcome feedback about your experience with the new interactive visualizations. Please contact our research team with your suggestions, comments, or requests for additional functionality. Your input helps us continue improving the accessibility and usefulness of our economic data presentation.