Healthcare Information Design and Visualizations from Coursera

Introduces processes and design principles for creating meaningful displays of information that support effective business decision-making. Studies how to collect and process data; create visualizations (both static and interactive); and use them to provide insight into a problem, situation, or opportunity. Introduces methods to critique visualizations along with ways to answer the elusive question: “What makes a visualization effective?”

Discusses the challenges of making data understandable across a wide range of audiences. Introduces the fundamentals of communication required for effective data storytelling. Other topics may include ethical uses of information displays, storytelling, infographics, and immersive visualizations. Offers students an opportunity to use one or more software tools.

Looking for a for-credit offering of this course?

Take this course as a 3-credit For-Credit, Non-Degree course and get a taste Northeastern University's world-class online programs without the commitment of a full degree. Take the course as a standalone for credit or stack the credits into eligible degree and certificate programs.

Learn more and register: https://online.northeastern.edu/courses/information-visuals-and-dashboards-for-business

What's inside

Syllabus

Planning Your Data Story

In this module, you will start learning about the key objective of a data analyst: creating a beautiful data story. You will learn about the project case study you’ll work on through the duration of the course, then begin thinking about how to map out stories in your data. Next, you’ll take a look at the basics of a tool professionals use to visualize data: Tableau. You’ll wrap up by figuring out how to take your first steps on a data analytics project and hear from Mayo Clinic.

Exploratory Data Analysis

In this module we will cover visualization basics, diving deep into the characteristics of a high quality and persuasive data visualization. We’ll talk specifically about using contrast to clearly illustrate your insights.

Creating Visualizations

Communicating Meaning Through Data

In this module, you’ll build on the work from the previous module, focusing on polishing and improving your dataviz. This week emphasizes clear meaning.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on creating meaningful visual representations of data that drive impactful business decision-making

Develops proficiency in data collection, visualization techniques, and insights extraction

Examines the nuances of data visualization across diverse audiences, fostering effective communication and storytelling

Introduces ethical considerations in data visualization, ensuring responsible use of information displays

Covers a wide range of topics, including infographics and immersive visualizations, expanding visualization skills

Provides hands-on experience with software tools, enabling practical application of visualization techniques

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Healthcare Information Design and Visualizations with these activities:

Read Edward Tufte's "The Visual Display of Quantitative Information"

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Tufte's book is a classic in the field of data visualization and will provide you with a strong theoretical foundation for the course.

View Beautiful Evidence on Amazon

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Read through the book carefully
Take notes on the key concepts and principles
Apply the principles to your own data visualization projects

Review the basics of data analysis

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This will ensure that you have a solid foundation in data analysis before starting the course.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Review your notes from previous courses or textbooks
Complete a few practice problems
Take a refresher course or workshop

Test your Tableau skills

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This refresher will prime you to hit the ground running when working with Tableau for this course.

Browse courses on Tableau

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Review the Tableau documentation
Complete a few beginner-friendly tutorials
Practice creating some basic visualizations

Four other activities

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Start a data visualization project

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Getting an early start on a project will provide you with valuable hands-on experience and help you better understand the course material.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Choose a dataset that interests you
Explore the data and identify some potential insights
Start creating some visualizations to explore your insights

Attend a data visualization conference or meetup

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Attending conferences or meetups can be a good way to gain new insights from experts in the field of data visualization, connect with potential employers, and network with others who share your interests.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Find a conference or meetup that interests you
Register for the event and attend
Listen to the presentations and ask questions
Network with other attendees

Participate in a data visualization competition

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Competitions are a great way to test your skills, get feedback from experts, and learn from others.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Find a competition that interests you
Read the competition guidelines carefully
Create a data visualization that meets the competition requirements
Submit your visualization and wait for the results

Create a data visualization blog or portfolio

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Putting together a portfolio or a blog will force you to organize your thoughts and present your work in a clear and concise way.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Choose a platform for your blog or portfolio
Create some high-quality data visualizations to showcase
Write engaging and informative articles or posts to accompany your visualizations
Share your work with others and get feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Healthcare Information Design and Visualizations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Tableau Developer

Tableau Developers use the Tableau software to create data visualizations. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to create meaningful visualizations that communicate information effectively using Tableau.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tableau Developer

Data Storyteller

Data Storytellers use data to tell stories and communicate insights. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to communicate data effectively, including the use of visualizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Storyteller

Data Visualization Specialist

Data Visualization Specialists are responsible for creating visualizations that communicate data effectively. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to create meaningful visualizations that communicate information effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist

Infographics Designer

Infographics Designers create visual representations of data and information. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to create meaningful visualizations that communicate information effectively.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use a variety of statistical and machine learning techniques to extract insights from data. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to work with data in a variety of ways, including data collection and processing, visualization, and storytelling. Those who wish to make a career change to Data Scientist may also find this course helpful in building a foundation of data science skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Visual Communication Designer

Visual Communication Designers use visual elements to communicate ideas and information. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to create meaningful visualizations that communicate information effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Communication Designer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with stakeholders to analyze business processes and identify areas for improvement. They may also be responsible for creating visualizations to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to communicate data effectively, including the use of visualizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers are responsible for the overall experience that users have with a product or service. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to create meaningful visualizations that communicate information effectively.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts are in charge of collecting, cleaning, and interpreting data in order to draw meaningful conclusions and solve business problems. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to work with data in a variety of ways, including data collection and processing, visualization, and storytelling. Those who wish to make a career change to Data Analyst may also find this course helpful in building a foundation of data analysis skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products and services. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to communicate data effectively, including the use of visualizations.

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Information Architect

Information Architects design and organize websites and other digital products to make them easy to use and understand. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to create meaningful visualizations that communicate information effectively.

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Marketing Analyst

Marketing Analysts use data to understand customer behavior and develop marketing campaigns. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to work with data in a variety of ways, including data collection and processing, visualization, and storytelling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use data to solve business problems. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to work with data in a variety of ways, including data collection and processing, visualization, and storytelling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use data to make investment decisions. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to work with data in a variety of ways, including data collection and processing, visualization, and storytelling.

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Statistician

Statisticians use data to solve a variety of problems. This course may be useful in developing the skills needed to work with data in a variety of ways, including data collection and processing, visualization, and storytelling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician