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Information Visualization

Foundations

Enrico Bertini and Cristian Felix
The main goal of this specialization is to provide the knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop a strong foundation on information visualization and to design and develop advanced applications for visual data analysis. This course aims at introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization. The main goal is to provide the students with the necessary “vocabulary” to describe visualizations in a way that helps them reason about what designs are appropriate for a given problem. This module also gives a broad overview of the field of visualization, introducing its goals, methods and applications. A learner with...
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The main goal of this specialization is to provide the knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop a strong foundation on information visualization and to design and develop advanced applications for visual data analysis. This course aims at introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization. The main goal is to provide the students with the necessary “vocabulary” to describe visualizations in a way that helps them reason about what designs are appropriate for a given problem. This module also gives a broad overview of the field of visualization, introducing its goals, methods and applications. A learner with some or no previous knowledge in Information Visualization will get a sense of what visualization is, what it is for and in how many different situations it can be applied; will practice to describe data in a way that is useful for visualization design; will familiarize with fundamental charts to talk about the concept of visual encoding and decoding.
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Develops fundamental knowledge necessary to describe, understand, and implement information visualization methods, which are core skills in data analysis

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Reviews summary

Data visualization foundation

This is a comprehensive introductory course on the fundamentals of information visualization, designed to provide learners with the knowledge to describe and create visualizations for various situations. It covers the fundamental concepts of visual encoding and decoding, the process behind creating effective visualizations, and the practical applications of information visualization. Students with little to no prior knowledge in this field will benefit the most from this course.
Concepts are explained with clarity.
"Very well structured course, with clear and understandable teaching."
"Prof. Enrico explains in a clear and entertaining way."
"The course materials are generally useful. the videos are reasonably well explained so that is positive."
Provides valuable and insightful information.
"Informative, yet highly academic in the first two modules."
"Overall an enjoyable course with an enthusiastic trainer."
"The course is with clear explanation."
Teaches best practices in the field of visualization.
"I learned a lot with it, now my knowledge about Information Visualization as well as the best practices will help build better representations for my projects."
Balances theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
"Covers both theoretical aspects and their practical applications."
"It'll give you a conceptual understanding of some common practices already found in your practice and help you build a vocabulary to talk about visualization in a more precise way."
"Weeks 3 and 4 were the best ones, with a more practical focus."
Builds necessary vocabulary to effectively describe visualizations.
"The main goal is to provide the students with the necessary “vocabulary” to describe visualizations in a way that helps them reason about what designs are appropriate for a given problem."
Occasional technical issues or assignment ambiguities.
"The only thing I would suggest to improve is giving more instructions for the final project as it was a bit unclear the extent to which we were being asked to research the graph on our own."
"There were a few problems with the assignments, such as questions referencing data elements that didn't exist."
"I noticed minor issues in the in-video quizes which I reported when I could, but I saw similar comments in the forums also."
Peer review assignments may have subjective grading.
"My primary issue and why I won't give 5 stars is that the week 3 assignment grading was very subjective and had low margin for error."
"Students read the questions differently and some graded in a very judgy manner."

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 Information Visualization: Foundations with these activities:
Review prerequisite topics on data visualization
Reinforces the core building blocks of data visualization that are necessary for understanding more advanced concepts.
Show steps
  • Review fundamentals of probability and statistics
  • Revisit concepts of visual perception and human cognition
  • Practice creating basic charts and graphs
Review fundamental concepts of data visualization
Refresh your understanding of the foundational concepts and principles of data visualization to strengthen your comprehension of more advanced topics.
Show steps
  • Review textbooks or online resources on data visualization.
  • Attend a workshop or webinar on visualization fundamentals.
Visualize a personal dataset
Apply your knowledge and skills to a real-world scenario by visualizing a dataset that is personally relevant or meaningful to you.
Show steps
  • Gather or create a dataset based on your interests or experiences.
  • Explore and analyze the dataset to identify insights and patterns.
  • Design and create visualizations that effectively communicate the insights.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Explore interactive tutorials on visualization techniques
Provides practical demonstrations and step-by-step guidance on implementing effective visualization techniques.
Show steps
  • Identify online tutorials or workshops
  • Follow the instructions and practice creating visualizations
  • Experiment with different visualization tools and libraries
Explore data visualization libraries
Familiarize yourself with popular data visualization libraries to expand your technical skills and enhance your ability to create effective visualizations.
Browse courses on Visualization Tools
Show steps
  • Identify different data visualization libraries (e.g., D3.js, Tableau, Python's Matplotlib).
  • Follow tutorials or documentation to learn the basics of using these libraries.
  • Experiment with the libraries by creating simple visualizations.
Practice visual encoding and decoding
Practice translating data into visual representations and interpreting visual representations back into data to strengthen understanding of encoding and decoding principles.
Show steps
  • Identify different visual encodings (e.g., color, size, shape) in provided visualizations.
  • Decode the meaning of visual representations by extracting data values from visualizations.
  • Create visualizations by encoding data into visual elements (e.g., bar charts, scatter plots).
Analyze and critique visualizations
Enhance your critical thinking skills by examining visualizations, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and providing constructive feedback to improve their effectiveness.
Show steps
  • Review different types of visualizations and their intended purposes.
  • Analyze visualizations for their clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness.
  • Provide constructive feedback on visualizations, suggesting improvements for design and data representation.
Create a visual data story
Develop your ability to communicate insights effectively by crafting a visual narrative that conveys a clear and engaging data-driven story.
Browse courses on Data Storytelling
Show steps
  • Choose a dataset and identify a compelling story to tell.
  • Design visualizations that effectively convey the story's key points.
  • Create an interactive or static visual presentation.
  • Share your story with others and gather feedback.
Develop a visualization dashboard
Gain practical experience in designing and developing interactive dashboards that enable users to explore and analyze data effectively.
Browse courses on Dashboard Design
Show steps
  • Identify the purpose and target audience for the dashboard.
  • Design the dashboard layout and select appropriate visualizations.
  • Develop the dashboard using a suitable data visualization tool.
  • Test and iterate on the dashboard based on user feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Information Visualization: Foundations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Visualization Architect
A Data Visualization Architect con­ceives and oversees the development of an organi­zation's data visualization strategy. They work with data scientists and business stake­holders to understand the organi­zation's data and information needs and to design and develop data visualizations that effectively communicate insights. This course introduces fundamental knowledge for information visualization and provides the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations in a way that helps reason about what designs are appropriate for a given problem. This foundational knowledge is critical for a Data Visualization Architect to effectively design and develop data visualizations that meet the needs of the organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Architect
Data Visualization Engineer
A Data Visualization Engineer designs, builds, and maintains data visualization applications and dashboards. They work with data scientists and business stake­holders to understand the organi­zation's data and information needs and to create data visualizations that effectively communicate insights. This course provides a strong foundation for data visualization engineering by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for a Data Visualization Engineer to effectively design and develop data visualizations that meet the needs of the organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Engineer
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, cleans, and analyzes data to identify trends and patterns. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for data analysis by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for a Data Analyst to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
A Business Intelligence Analyst helps businesses make better decisions by providing them with data and insights. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for business intelligence analysis by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for a Business Intelligence Analyst to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst
Information Architect
An Information Architect designs and organizes the structure and content of websites, intranets, and other digital products. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for information architecture by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for an Information Architect to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect
User Experience Designer
A User Experience Designer designs and evaluates the user experience of websites, intranets, and other digital products. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for user experience design by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for a User Experience Designer to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer
Visual Designer
A Visual Designer creates visual content for websites, intranets, and other digital products. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for visual design by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for a Visual Designer to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Designer
Interaction Designer
An Interaction Designer designs and evaluates the user experience of websites, intranets, and other digital products. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for interaction design by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for an Interaction Designer to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer
Marketing Analyst
A Marketing Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make marketing decisions. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for marketing analysis by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for a Marketing Analyst to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for the development and launch of new products. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for product management by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for a Product Manager to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Quantitative Analyst
A Quantitative Analyst uses mathematical and statistical models to analyze data and make predictions. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for quantitative analysis by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for a Quantitative Analyst to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for software engineering by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for a Software Engineer to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Statistician
A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data to make predictions. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for statistics by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for a Statistician to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist uses mathematical and statistical models to analyze data and make predictions. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for data science by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for a Data Scientist to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
A Machine Learning Engineer designs and develops machine learning models. They use data visualization to communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course provides a strong foundation for machine learning engineering by introducing fundamental knowledge for information visualization and providing the necessary vocabulary to describe visualizations. This knowledge is critical for a Machine Learning Engineer to effectively communicate their findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 Information Visualization: Foundations.
Cover image
Visual Thinking for Information Design
Save
Is helpful in providing background or prerequisite knowledge and is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Visual Thinking for Information Design
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Visualize This
Save
Is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals.
Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design,...
Paperback
$$
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
Data Visualisation
Save
Is more valuable as a reference tool than it is as a current textbook.
Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven...
Paperback
$$
Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven...
Paperback
$$$
Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Visualization Analysis and Design
Save
Is more geared towards advanced learners and researchers.
Visualization Analysis and Design (AK Peters...
Hardcover
$$$
Visualization Analysis and Design (AK Peters...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Art of Insight
Save
Is an excellent resource for those interested in the storytelling and communication aspects of data visualization.
The Art of Insight: How Great Visualization...
Paperback
$$
The Art of Insight: How Great Visualization...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Data Visualization
Save
Is focused on the practical aspects of data visualization and valuable resource for beginners and practitioners.
Data Visualization: A Practical Introduction
Paperback
$$
Data Visualization: A Practical Introduction
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Information Dashboard Design
Save
Focuses on the design of dashboards and valuable resource for those interested in creating effective and informative data visualizations for decision-making.
Information Dashboard Design: Displaying Data for...
Hardcover
$$
Information Dashboard Design: The Effective Visual...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Storytelling with You
Save
Is geared towards business professionals and valuable resource for those interested in communicating data effectively to non-technical audiences.
Storytelling with You: Plan, Create, and Deliver a...
Paperback
$$
Storytelling with You: Plan, Create, and Deliver a...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Designing Data Visualizations
Save
Features a collection of essays from experts in the field of data visualization and valuable resource for those interested in learning from the experiences and insights of leading practitioners.
Designing Data Visualizations: Representing...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Data Visualization Made Simple
Save
Provides a quick and easy-to-understand overview of data visualization and valuable resource for beginners.
Data Visualization Made Simple
Paperback
$$
Data Visualization Made Simple: Insights into...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Similar courses

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Time
20 hours
Via
Coursera
Institutions
New York University Tandon School of Engineering
New York University
Instructors
Enrico Bertini
Cristian Felix
This course belongs to a collection called Information Visualization . It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Information Visualization: Advanced Techniques
  2. Information Visualization: Foundations (viewing)
  3. Information Visualization: Programming with D3.js
  4. Information Visualization: Applied Perception
Good to know
Develops fundamental knowledge necessary to describe, understand, and implement information visualization methods, which are core skills in data analysis
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