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Overview of Data Visualization in Microsoft Excel

Nadine Rodriguez

After finishing this project, you will have learned some basic rules about data visualization and can apply them whenever you create charts. In present times, one can find data visualization in a wide range of fields. Businesses show graphs to report on revenue, police departments create maps of crimes in their jurisdiction, and on the website for the city hall, you can likely find visual comparisons of people who moved to the city and those who left the city. For this reason, it is important for a lot of people to know the basics of data visualization.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores basic principles of data visualization applicable to creating charts
Useful for professionals across various fields who need to understand data visualization for reporting or presentations
Provides a foundation for learners to apply data visualization techniques effectively

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Reviews summary

Excel data viz: beginner's guide

According to students, this "Overview of Data Visualization in Microsoft Excel" course offers a largely positive experience, particularly for those new to the subject or looking to enhance their basic Excel charting skills. Learners consistently highlight the clear and concise explanations provided by the instructor and the practical, hands-on activities that allow for immediate application of concepts. While it serves as an excellent starting point for understanding data visualization principles and creating effective charts, some experienced users found the content too basic, indicating it's best suited for absolute beginners and those requiring a foundational understanding rather than advanced Excel techniques.
Content remains up-to-date and highly applicable today.
"The content is very relevant for business professionals who use Excel daily."
"It feels like the course maintains a modern approach to charting needs."
"I found the principles discussed here to be timeless and applicable to current data analysis."
Instructor provides clear, concise, and easy-to-follow explanations.
"The instructor explained the concepts clearly and concisely."
"I found the explanations easy to follow."
"The instructor's voice was clear and engaging."
Emphasizes hands-on exercises and real-world utility in Excel.
"I particularly enjoyed the hands-on exercises, which really helped me apply what I learned."
"The content is very relevant for business professionals who use Excel daily. I found the explanations easy to follow."
"Very practical and to the point. The course teaches you the 'why' behind good data visualization, not just the 'how' in Excel."
"I now feel much more confident in creating professional-looking dashboards."
Offers a clear and practical starting point for data visualization.
"This course was a fantastic introduction to data visualization using Excel."
"Exactly what I needed! As a complete beginner, I appreciated the clear, step-by-step guidance."
"Loved the practical approach! ... a good starting point for anyone interested in making their data more presentable."
Primarily targets beginners; may be too basic for experienced users.
"My only minor critique is that it could have delved a little deeper into some more advanced chart types or data manipulation techniques..."
"For someone with some prior Excel experience, it might feel a bit too basic and slow-paced."
"Good course for beginners but not for advanced users. If you already know basic Excel charting, this course might not add much."
"Found it very basic... I expected more actual Excel tips and tricks beyond just creating basic charts."

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 Overview of Data Visualization in Microsoft Excel with these activities:
Review statistics
Refreshes basic statistical concepts which are fundamental to data visualization.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Review concepts like mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and variance.
  • Solve practice problems involving statistical calculations.
  • Consider reviewing statistical software packages like R or Python.
Form a study group
Provides peer support, diverse perspectives, and opportunities for knowledge sharing.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Connect with classmates or fellow learners to form a study group.
  • Schedule regular meetings to discuss course materials, work on assignments, and share insights.
  • Consider rotating leadership roles to encourage participation and diverse perspectives.
Practice creating charts
Solidifies understanding of different types of charts and how to use them.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Select a dataset and create various charts like bar charts, line charts, scatter plots, and histograms.
  • Analyze the charts and interpret the data they represent.
  • Consider using online resources or textbooks for guidance.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a data visualization workshop
Provides hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Research upcoming data visualization workshops in your area or online.
  • Register and attend the workshop, actively participating in exercises and discussions.
  • Connect with other participants and industry professionals for potential collaborations or learning opportunities.
Explore advanced data visualization techniques
Enhances skills by exploring more advanced concepts and tools.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Identify specific areas of interest within data visualization, such as interactive dashboards or storytelling with data.
  • Seek out online tutorials, workshops, or courses that cover these topics.
  • Apply the new techniques to existing datasets or create new visualizations.
Start a personal data visualization project
Encourages independent learning and portfolio building.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Define a specific goal or problem that you want to solve using data visualization.
  • Gather and prepare the necessary data.
  • Create visualizations that effectively communicate insights.
Create a data visualization portfolio
Provides an opportunity to showcase data visualization skills and understanding.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Gather a collection of data visualizations created during the course.
  • Provide clear explanations for each visualization, including the purpose, data used, and insights gained.
  • Consider seeking feedback from peers or industry professionals.
Develop a data visualization dashboard
Involves applying advanced skills by building a comprehensive data visualization tool.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world dataset and define the purpose of the dashboard.
  • Design and develop an interactive dashboard using appropriate visualization techniques.
  • Test and refine the dashboard based on user feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Overview of Data Visualization in Microsoft Excel will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Visualization Specialist
Data Visualization Specialists create data visualizations to communicate data to others. They work with data to create visualizations that are clear, concise, and visually appealing. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Data Visualization Specialist by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Data Visualization Specialists because it allows them to create visualizations that are effective at communicating data.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist
Data Analyst
Data Analysts are professionals who use data to solve business problems. They collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They then use this information to make recommendations to businesses on how to improve their operations. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Data Analyst by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Data Analysts because it allows them to communicate their findings to others in a clear and concise way.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use data to analyze financial performance and make recommendations to investors. They use data to identify trends and patterns in the market and make recommendations on which stocks to buy or sell. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Financial Analyst by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Financial Analysts because it allows them to communicate their findings to others in a clear and concise way.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Marketing Analyst
Marketing Analysts use data to analyze marketing campaigns and make recommendations for improvement. They use data to identify which marketing campaigns are most effective and make recommendations on how to improve the performance of future campaigns. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Marketing Analyst by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Marketing Analysts because it allows them to communicate their findings to others in a clear and concise way.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use data to analyze business processes and make recommendations for improvement. They use data to identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in business processes and make recommendations on how to improve them. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Operations Research Analyst by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Operations Research Analysts because it allows them to communicate their findings to others in a clear and concise way.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products or services. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring new products to market. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Product Manager by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Product Managers because it allows them to track the progress of new products and make data-driven decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning and executing projects. They work with teams of people to achieve project goals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Project Manager by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Project Managers because it allows them to track the progress of projects and make data-driven decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use data to make inferences about the world around us. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Statistician by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Statisticians because it allows them to communicate their findings to others in a clear and concise way.
See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems. They work with data to identify trends and patterns and make predictions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Data Scientist by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Data Scientists because it allows them to communicate their findings to others in a clear and concise way.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with teams of people to create software that meets the needs of users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Software Engineer by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Software Engineers because it allows them to track the progress of software development projects and make data-driven decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with businesses to identify and solve problems. They use data to analyze business processes and make recommendations for improvement. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Business Analyst by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Business Analysts because it allows them to communicate their findings to others in a clear and concise way.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers develop and maintain machine learning models. They work with data to train machine learning models to make predictions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Machine Learning Engineer by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Machine Learning Engineers because it allows them to track the progress of machine learning models and make data-driven decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer
Information Architect
Information Architects design and organize information systems. They work with data to create systems that are easy to use and understand. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Information Architect by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Information Architects because it allows them to create systems that are visually appealing and easy to navigate.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers design and evaluate user interfaces. They work with data to create interfaces that are easy to use and understand. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a User Experience Designer by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for User Experience Designers because it allows them to create interfaces that are visually appealing and easy to use.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. They work with data to create websites that are visually appealing and easy to use. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Web Developer by teaching you the basics of data visualization. Data visualization is an important skill for Web Developers because it allows them to create websites that are visually appealing and easy to navigate.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Overview of Data Visualization in Microsoft Excel.
Cover image
Beautiful Evidence
Save
A seminal work on data visualization principles and techniques. It discusses the importance of visual clarity, simplicity, and effective communication in data visualization.
Beautiful Evidence
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Storytelling with Data
Save
Focuses on the practical aspects of data visualization for business professionals. It provides guidance on how to create effective and visually appealing visualizations that communicate insights and drive decision-making.
Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide...
Paperback
$$
Daphne Draws Data: A Storytelling with Data...
Hardcover
$$
Storytelling with Data: Let's Practice!
Paperback
$$
(Italiano) Data storytelling: generare valore dalla...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Deutsch) Storytelling mit Daten: Die Grundlagen der...
Paperback
$$
storytelling with data podcast
Podcast
Check Price
Storytelling met data: Datavisualisatie voor...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Show Me the Numbers
Save
Explores the design and development of effective information dashboards. It covers topics such as data selection, visual hierarchy, and user interaction.
Show Me the Numbers: Designing Tables and Graphs to...
Hardcover
$$
Show Me the Numbers: Designing Tables and Graphs to...
Hardcover
$$
Show Me The Numbers
Unknown Binding
$$$
Cover image
Data Visualization Made Simple
Save
Provides a simplified approach to data visualization for beginners. It covers the basics of data visualization principles, chart types, and design tips.
Data Visualization Made Simple
Paperback
Check
Data Visualization Made Simple
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Advanced R, Second Edition
Save
Introduces the ggplot2 package for data visualization in R. It provides a detailed overview of ggplot2's syntax and features, and shows how to create a wide variety of visualizations.
Advanced R, Second Edition (Chapman & Hall/CRC The...
Paperback
$$$
Advanced R, Second Edition (Chapman & Hall/CRC The...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Visualize This
Save
A collection of essays on data visualization and visual thinking. It covers topics such as data aesthetics, storytelling with data, and the ethical implications of data visualization.
Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design,...
Paperback
$$
Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design,...
Paperback
$$
(中文) 图灵程序设计丛书鲜活的数据:数据可视化指南 (Chinese Edition)
Kindle Edition
$
(Deutsch) Visualize This [German]
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Truthful Art
Save
Examines the role of data visualization in communication. It discusses the principles of effective storytelling with data and provides guidance on creating visually compelling and accurate visualizations.
The Truthful Art
Paperback
Check
The Truthful Art
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Data Visualization
Save
Provides a practical introduction to data visualization for beginners. It covers the basics of data visualization principles and techniques, using examples from various domains.
Data Visualization: A Successful Design Process: A...
Paperback
$
Data Visualization: Representing Information on...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Data Visualization Design and Utilization (Korean...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Interactive Data Visualization for the Web
Save
Focuses on the development of interactive data visualizations for the web. It covers topics such as web technologies for data visualization, user interaction design, and performance optimization.
Interactive Data Visualization for the Web: An...
Paperback
$$
Interactive Data Visualization for the Web: An...
Paperback
$$
(中文) 数据可视化实战:使用D3设计交互式图表 (图灵程序设计丛书 23) (Chinese Edition)
Kindle Edition
$

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Effort
2 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Coursera Project Network
Instructor
Nadine Rodriguez
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores basic principles of data visualization applicable to creating charts
Useful for professionals across various fields who need to understand data visualization for reporting or presentations
Provides a foundation for learners to apply data visualization techniques effectively
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