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Overview of Data Visualization

In this project, you will develop an understanding and appreciation for data visualization. You will review the benefits of data visualization as you examine existing examples of data that is displayed in a variety of visual formats. In addition, you will gain some hands-on experience in building your own data visualization examples by aggregating data and generating simple charts in Google Sheets.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Explores data visualization, which is a highly relevant skill for those who work with and analyze data

Provides hands-on experience with Google Sheets, a widely-used tool for data visualization

Serves as a foundational course for learners interested in learning more about data visualization

Could be more comprehensive and include more advanced techniques for data visualization

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Reviews summary

Beginner-friendly data viz with google sheets

According to learners, this course offers a fantastic foundation in data visualization, particularly for absolute beginners. Students appreciate the clear explanations and the hands-on exercises using Google Sheets, which make concepts easy to grasp and immediately applicable. Many find the bite-sized modules and practical approach highly beneficial for gaining a quick understanding of fundamentals. While excellent as an overview, some more experienced students found the content too basic, wishing for deeper dives into complex chart types or other visualization tools beyond Sheets. It successfully prepares you for more advanced studies.

Concepts are explained clearly in bite-sized, digestible modules.

"The instructor explains concepts clearly, and the project at the end really ties everything together."

"The content is well-presented, but I was hoping for a bit more advanced techniques beyond simple bar/pie charts."

"The instructors are clear, and the practical examples with Google Sheets are very helpful. The modules are bite-sized..."

Emphasizes practical application using accessible Google Sheets.

"...the hands-on exercises with Google Sheets made it so easy to follow along."

"I appreciated the practical application using Google Sheets, which is a tool I use daily at work."

"The Google Sheets exercises are practical and immediately applicable. I learned how to create effective visuals..."

Perfect for those with no prior data visualization experience.

"This course is fantastic for beginners! I had zero experience with data visualization..."

"As someone completely new to data, this course was a godsend. It broke down complex ideas into manageable pieces..."

"I now feel confident exploring more advanced topics thanks to this strong foundation."

Ideal for fundamentals; less suitable for experienced users.

"My only minor critique is that it doesn't go very deep into more complex chart types or advanced tools..."

"If you already have some experience... this might feel a bit too slow or repetitive."

"Found this course too basic. I'm already using Tableau and was looking for something that would help me improve my visualization skills..."

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 with these activities:

Explore online data visualization tools and resources

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Familiarize yourself with the tools and resources available for data visualization, enabling you to make informed choices later in the course.

Browse courses on Data Visualization Tools

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Identify and explore popular data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
Investigate online resources for data visualization (e.g., tutorials, forums)
Experiment with different data visualization techniques using these tools and resources

Review Scatterplots and Bar Charts

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Prepare for this project by reviewing the fundamentals of data visualization.

Browse courses on Charts

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Read an article on the history of data visualization.
Review an existing data visualization and critique its structure.
Practice creating a scatter plot in Google Sheets.
Practice creating a bar chart in Google Sheets.
Practice creating a line chart in Google Sheets.

Watch Data Visualization Tutorials

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Expand your knowledge by watching tutorials on data visualization.

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Find a series of data visualization tutorials.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on the key concepts.
Practice the concepts you learned in the tutorials.
Apply the concepts to your own data visualization projects.
Share your data visualizations with others and get feedback.

Six other activities

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Review fundamentals of data visualization

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Sharpen your understanding of data visualization concepts, formats, and best practices, which will serve as a strong foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Revisit articles, books, or tutorials on data visualization principles
Review different types of data visualizations (e.g., charts, graphs, maps)
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various data visualization techniques

Solve Data Visualization Practice Problems

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Strengthen your data visualization skills through repeated practice.

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Find a set of data visualization practice problems.
Solve the practice problems on your own.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.
Repeat steps 2-3 until you are able to solve the problems correctly.
Continue practicing data visualization problems regularly.

Join a Data Visualization Study Group

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Collaborate with other students to enhance your understanding of data visualization.

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Find a study group to join.
Attend regular study group meetings.
Discuss data visualization topics with your study group.
Work on data visualization projects together.
Present your data visualizations to your study group.

Create simple data visualizations using Google Sheets

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Gain hands-on experience in creating data visualizations, solidifying your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

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Gather and prepare data in Google Sheets
Create charts and graphs using the built-in visualization tools
Experiment with different chart types and customizations

Create a Data Visualization Portfolio

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Develop your skills by creating a portfolio of your own data visualizations.

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Choose a topic for your data visualization.
Find a data source for your visualization.
Create your data visualization in Google Sheets.
Write a brief description of your data visualization.
Share your data visualization on an online portfolio.

Engage in peer review and feedback sessions

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Benefit from peer feedback and share your knowledge, deepening your understanding of data visualization best practices.

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Form study groups or connect with classmates
Review and provide constructive feedback on each other's data visualizations
Discuss and learn from different perspectives and approaches

Career center

Learners who complete Overview of Data Visualization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Visualization Specialist

Data Visualization Specialists are responsible for creating and maintaining data visualizations. They work with data analysts, scientists, and other stakeholders to develop visualizations that communicate data effectively. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use a variety of data visualization tools and techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts are responsible for turning data into actionable insights that can help businesses improve their operations. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders in a way that is easy to understand and act upon. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use data visualization to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Insurance Underwriter

Insurance Underwriters use data to assess risk and determine insurance premiums. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to clients and other stakeholders in a way that is easy to understand and actionable. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use data visualization to create clear and persuasive insurance presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Underwriter

Data Journalist

Data Journalists use data to tell stories and inform the public. They use data visualization to present complex data in a way that is easy to understand and engaging. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use data visualization to create compelling and informative data-driven stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Journalist

Presentation Designer

Presentation Designers are responsible for creating visually appealing presentations that communicate information effectively. They use data visualization to create slides, infographics, and other visuals that engage audiences and convey key messages. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use data visualization to create clear and persuasive presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Presentation Designer

Visual Communication Designer

Visual Communication Designers use visual elements to communicate ideas and information. They use data visualization to create infographics, charts, and other visuals that explain complex concepts in a clear and engaging way. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use data visualization to create visually appealing and effective communication materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Communication Designer

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use data to analyze and make recommendations on investments. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to clients and other stakeholders in a way that is easy to understand and actionable. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use data visualization to create clear and persuasive financial presentations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for developing and implementing data-driven solutions to business problems. They use a variety of techniques, including data visualization, to analyze and interpret data. This course will help you develop the foundation in data visualization that is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts help businesses interpret data to make informed decisions. They are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data, and then presenting it in a way that is easy to understand. This course in data visualization will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to create clear and concise visuals that communicate data effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts use data to identify and assess risks. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders in a way that is easy to understand and actionable. This course will help you develop the foundation in data visualization that is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze data and make predictions. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders in a way that is easy to understand and actionable. This course will help you develop the foundation in data visualization that is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Market Researcher

Market Researchers conduct research to understand consumer behavior and trends. They use data visualization to present their findings to clients in a way that is easy to understand and actionable. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use data visualization to identify opportunities and develop marketing strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

User Experience (UX) Designer

UX Designers are responsible for designing products that are user-friendly and efficient. They use data visualization to understand how users interact with products and to identify areas for improvement. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use data visualization to create user-centered designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer

Information Architect

Information Architects are responsible for organizing and structuring information in a way that is easy to find and use. They use data visualization to create sitemaps, navigation systems, and other tools that help users navigate complex websites and applications. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, including how to use data visualization to create effective and efficient information architectures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders in a way that is easy to understand and actionable. This course will help you develop the foundation in data visualization that is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Reading list

We've selected 11 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.

Data Visualization

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Provides a comprehensive overview of data visualization principles and best practices. It covers topics such as data types, chart types, and visualization techniques. It is useful as both a textbook and a reference guide.

Overview of Data Visualization

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Beginner-friendly data viz with google sheets

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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