[OC] Hockeystick project growth (0 PyPI downloads for 12 months, then 120k in 3 months) Visualization

April 20, 2026
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By Alex Cartwright
[OC] Hockeystick project growth (0 PyPI downloads for 12 months, then 120k in 3 months) Visualization
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Data Analysis

What This Visualization Shows

This data visualization displays "[OC] Hockeystick project growth (0 PyPI downloads for 12 months, then 120k in 3 months)" and provides a clear visual representation of the underlying data patterns and trends. The visualization focuses on Data sources: GitHub and PyPI Data associated with [this project](https://github.com/UKGovernmentBEIS/inspect_evals). Tools used: GitHub CLI, PyPI API, Python, Gource.

[The full visualisation here.](https://sdsimmons.com/experiments/inspect-evals/)

I work on an open source project that hosts a large number of AI evaluations ("evals"). As of today, there are > 120 evals in this project, which use a framework that is written by some of the same people behind [Rmarkdown](https://rmarkdown.rstudio.com/index.html).

An eval is just a way to characterise an AI's capabilities / behaviour in some dimension, letting us assign numbers so that we can rank and compare different AI models, as well as to help us quantify "how fast" new models are improving in certain dimensions.

Examples of characteristics that evals can help us quantify:

1. [How honest is the model?](https://ukgovernmentbeis.github.io/inspect_evals/evals/safeguards/mask/) 2. [How good at math competition questions?](https://ukgovernmentbeis.github.io/inspect_evals/evals/mathematics/aime2026/) 3. [How is their chemistry knowledge?](https://ukgovernmentbeis.github.io/inspect_evals/evals/knowledge/chembench/) 4. [What about their medical knowledge?](https://ukgovernmentbeis.github.io/inspect_evals/evals/knowledge/healthbench/)

I made a dashboard that shows how the number of evals in the project has increased over time (as well as various other metrics, using data from github and PyPI, such as the one you see in the image).

**Spoiler:** Regarding the image in the post, downloads were flat for 12 months until we started releasing to PyPI with a more regular release cadence! If you look at the github stars chart you can see linear growth, so the PyPI download explosion was effectively just pent up demand.

I also used [Gource](https://github.com/acaudwell/gource). I previously saw a cool video using Gource on the Linux kernel and thought it was a great way to show the collaboration that happens in open source projects.

(if you read this far, [here is the link](https://sdsimmons.com/experiments/inspect-evals/) again to the actual visualisation! I hope some people find it cool), which allows us to understand complex relationships and insights within the data through visual storytelling.

Deep Dive into the Topic

This data visualization represents a sophisticated analysis of complex information patterns that provide valuable insights into underlying trends and relationships. Data visualization serves as a bridge between raw numerical data and human understanding, transforming abstract statistics into comprehensible visual narratives.

The power of data visualization lies in its ability to reveal patterns, outliers, and correlations that might not be apparent in traditional tabular formats. Through careful selection of chart types, color schemes, and interactive elements, effective visualizations can communicate complex information quickly and accurately to diverse audiences.

Modern data visualization combines statistical analysis with design principles to create compelling visual stories. This interdisciplinary approach requires understanding both the underlying data and the cognitive processes involved in visual perception. The result is more effective communication of quantitative insights that can inform decision-making and drive positive change.

Data Analysis and Insights

The patterns revealed in this visualization demonstrate the importance of systematic data analysis in understanding complex phenomena. By examining different data segments, time periods, and categorical breakdowns, we can identify trends that inform strategic planning and decision-making processes.

Statistical analysis of this data reveals variations across different dimensions that provide insights into underlying drivers and relationships. These patterns help identify areas of opportunity, potential risks, and key performance indicators that can guide future actions and resource allocation.

The analytical approach used in this visualization enables comparison across different categories, time periods, or geographic regions, revealing insights that support evidence-based decision-making. This type of analysis is essential for organizations seeking to optimize performance and understand complex market dynamics.

Significance and Applications

This data visualization has important implications for understanding trends and patterns that affect decision-making across multiple sectors. The insights derived from this analysis can inform policy development, business strategy, resource allocation, and operational improvements.

For analysts, researchers, and decision-makers, this type of data visualization provides essential insights for strategic planning and performance optimization. Whether addressing operational challenges, market analysis, or policy development, understanding data patterns helps create more effective strategies and solutions.

The broader significance lies in how this information contributes to our understanding of complex systems and relationships. This knowledge helps predict future trends, identify potential challenges, and develop more informed approaches to problem-solving and opportunity identification.

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About the Author

Alex Cartwright

Alex Cartwright

Senior Data Visualization Expert

Alex Cartwright is a renowned data visualization specialist and infographic designer with over 15 years of experience in...

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Visualization Details

Published4/20/2026
CategoryData Analysis
TypeVisualization
Views0