[GFischer]

IMO, the "redesigned" slides are more aesthetically pleasing but they lose a lot of information in the process.

The second slide already has lower contrast (less readable), and as you mention, the bubble plot has less information. I do like the 4th slide (55) redesign, and the one on education (25).

Removing pictures and logos also reduces information for me.

Overall, I overwhelmingly prefer the first set of slides over the second - the point should be information first, aesthetics second.