Poring through pages of charts, graphs, and maps may sound like a boring job, but Michael DiBenigno brings numbers to life.

Using augmented reality (the same feature that brought Pokemon Go) he creates virtual environments to showcase vasts amounts of information in a meaningful way, making it easier for people to absorb and engage at a deeper level.

What You Need To Know


  • Data visualization is a field that deals with presenting data in compelling ways to allow audiences to easily draw information from it.

  • Michael DiBenigno is applying his company's technology to his TikTok posts to help people make sense of complex issues. 

  • Some of his company's customers include the United Nations General Assembly and the World Bank.

The eye-catching visuals are catching on.

In just a few months, he's amassed about 90,000 subscribers on TikTok.

"We believe more data is not going to change the world." DiBenigno says. "But more effectively communicating with data will."

We asked him to create some 3-D models specific to North Carolina. He helps highlight why the vaccine's impact won't be felt right away, and which counties are faring worst in the pandemic.

DiBenigno hopes to empower others to tell their own stories through data. His company, Flow Immersive, has a number of free 3-D environments anyone with a smartphone, tablet or laptop can make their own videos with.

He's already heard back from people who say his visualizations have helped drive decisions.

"People have reached out to say thank you so much. This allowed me to have a conversation with my own employers around trying to cancel some in-person corporate events," DiBenigno says. "I feel like if I just help in that small tiny way, it's all worth it."