We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Bo Rodda
Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Fundamentals of Data Visualization
This module introduces the core principles and significance of data visualization. Learners will explore the history and development of data visualization, understand how visual perception plays a role in interpreting data, and gain experience creating basic charts like bar charts, line charts, and pie charts.
Read more

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Career center

Learners who complete Data Visualization and the Art of Storytelling - Bachelor's will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Storyteller
A Data Storyteller transforms complex datasets into clear, engaging, and actionable narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. This course provides an exceptional foundation for aspiring Data Storytellers by focusing explicitly on crafting compelling data-driven narratives, a skill central to Modules 4 and 8. Learners delve into structuring data stories, creating visual hierarchies, and connecting insights to meaningful messages. The emphasis on developing a portfolio of visualizations that communicate data-driven stories by the end of the course directly prepares individuals for this role, allowing them to showcase their ability to translate raw data into persuasive insights, a core competency for success in this dynamic career field.
Data Visualization Specialist
A Data Visualization Specialist is adept at designing and creating visual representations of data to reveal patterns, trends, and insights. This course is an ideal pathway for a Data Visualization Specialist, directly addressing the core principles of effective data visualization, as introduced in Module 1. Students learn to select appropriate charts (Module 2), explore relationships in data using various plots (Module 3), and integrate advanced techniques like interactivity and geospatial mapping (Modules 5 and 6). The practical experience gained in developing a portfolio of visualizations throughout the course means students will have tangible examples of their ability to communicate data effectively, which is essential for showcasing expertise in this specialized career.
Data Journalist
A Data Journalist investigates and reports on stories using data, often presenting findings through interactive visualizations and compelling narratives. This course is highly correlated with the work of a Data Journalist, as it directly teaches the skills of crafting compelling data-driven narratives (Modules 4 and 8) and creating a portfolio of visualizations that communicate stories. The exploration of advanced visualization techniques (Module 5) and designing for accessibility and ethics (Module 7) are particularly pertinent, ensuring that journalistic representations are both engaging and responsible. This course helps learners acquire the unique blend of analytical rigor and storytelling prowess essential for this impactful career.
Insights Analyst
An Insights Analyst translates data findings into understandable and actionable intelligence for business stakeholders. This course is exceptionally well-suited for an Insights Analyst, as its primary goal is to teach students how to visualize data effectively and craft compelling narratives that communicate data-driven stories. The rigorous exploration of data types (Module 2), relationships and patterns (Module 3), combined with the art of storytelling (Module 4), directly supports the core functions of this role. By learning to structure narratives and communicate insights effectively for a specific audience (Module 8), learners will be able to deliver impactful recommendations that drive strategic decisions.
Geographic Information Systems Specialist
A Geographic Information Systems Specialist works with spatial data to create maps and conduct analyses for various applications. This course offers very specific and relevant training for a Geographic Information Systems Specialist, particularly through Module 6, which is dedicated to "Introduction to Geospatial Data and Visualization." Students learn to visualize geographical data using maps and geospatial tools to uncover insights and tell compelling location-based stories. This specialized module, combined with the broader principles of data visualization (Module 1) and crafting complete data stories (Module 8), provides a robust foundation for interpreting and communicating complex spatial information, which is a core function of this technical role.
Research Analyst
A Research Analyst collects, interprets, and presents data to support academic, market, or policy research. This course is highly relevant for a Research Analyst, providing a robust framework for visualizing relationships and patterns in data (Module 3) and communicating research findings with clarity and precision. The emphasis on selecting appropriate visualizations for different data types (Module 2) and crafting a complete data story (Module 8) ensures research outputs are not only accurate but also engaging and comprehensible. This course also helps develop a portfolio of visualizations, preparing learners to effectively disseminate their research insights to diverse audiences in a professional setting.
Business Intelligence Analyst
A Business Intelligence Analyst collects, analyzes, and visualizes data to help organizations make informed strategic decisions. This course can be highly beneficial for an aspiring Business Intelligence Analyst because it focuses on the critical skill of communicating insights with clarity and precision, as highlighted in Module 3. Understanding core visualization principles (Module 1), selecting appropriate data representations (Module 2), and crafting compelling data-driven narratives (Module 4) are central to effectively presenting business intelligence. The course's emphasis on designing narratives using tools like data dashboards (Module 4) directly prepares learners to create the impactful reports and interactive dashboards vital for this role.
Data Product Manager
A Data Product Manager specializes in products where data is the core offering or a critical component, defining strategies and ensuring effective data utilization. This course provides excellent skills for a Data Product Manager. The ability to visualize data effectively (Module 1) and understand data types (Module 2) is fundamental for defining data products. Crucially, the focus on crafting compelling data-driven narratives (Module 4) and communicating insights effectively for a specific audience (Module 8) is invaluable for pitching data product ideas, demonstrating value, and educating users on how to interpret and benefit from data-driven features. An advanced degree is often preferred for this role.
Consultant
A Consultant advises organizations on strategic issues, often requiring deep analysis and clear communication of complex information. This course can serve as a strong foundation for a Consultant, as the ability to visualize data effectively (Module 1) and present findings through compelling narratives is paramount. Clients often require data-backed insights, and the course's focus on structuring data stories, creating visual hierarchies, and using data dashboards (Module 4) can translate complex analyses into understandable recommendations. Learning to communicate insights effectively for a specific audience (Module 8) is directly aligned with the consultative approach of tailoring messages to client needs.
Marketing Analyst
A Marketing Analyst examines market data, campaign performance, and consumer behavior to identify trends and inform marketing strategies. This course can significantly help a Marketing Analyst by honing their skills in visualizing data effectively and crafting compelling narratives from complex information. Understanding how to explore relationships and patterns in data (Module 3) allows for deeper insights into customer segments or campaign efficacy. Furthermore, the focus on structuring data stories (Module 4) and communicating insights effectively for a specific audience (Module 8) is crucial for presenting actionable recommendations to marketing teams and stakeholders, bridging the gap between raw data and strategic decisions.
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst evaluates policies and programs, often using data to inform recommendations and communicate findings to stakeholders. This course can be particularly helpful for a Policy Analyst because it teaches the crucial skills of visualizing data effectively (Module 1) and crafting compelling data-driven narratives. Understanding how to explore relationships in data (Module 3) is key for evidence-based policy making. Moreover, Module 7, which focuses on "Designing for Accessibility and Ethics in Data Visualization," is directly applicable to creating transparent and inclusive policy reports, ensuring data is communicated responsibly to diverse public and governmental audiences.
Product Manager
A Product Manager guides the strategy, roadmap, and feature definition for a product. This course may be especially helpful for a Product Manager, as understanding data to make informed decisions and communicate product performance is crucial. The ability to visualize data effectively (Module 1) and select appropriate charts (Module 2) can aid in analyzing product usage or market trends. Furthermore, the emphasis on crafting compelling data-driven narratives and communicating insights for a specific audience (Modules 4 and 8) is invaluable for presenting product roadmaps, performance reports, and user research to stakeholders and development teams, fostering clear communication and alignment.
User Experience Designer
A User Experience Designer focuses on making products and services useful, usable, and enjoyable. This course may be helpful for a User Experience Designer, especially when dealing with data-rich interfaces or dashboards. The understanding of visual perception (Module 1), the importance of design principles (Module 4), and advanced visualization techniques (Module 5) can inform the creation of intuitive and effective data displays. Crucially, Module 7, "Designing for Accessibility," directly addresses creating inclusive designs, an essential aspect of user experience. This course helps build a foundation for communicating complex information clearly within digital products.
Content Strategist
A Content Strategist plans and manages the creation and distribution of valuable content to achieve business objectives. This course may be helpful for a Content Strategist by enhancing their ability to use data to inform content decisions and present content performance effectively. The principles of crafting compelling data-driven narratives (Module 4) and communicating insights for a specific audience (Module 8) are directly transferable to developing engaging content strategies that resonate with target demographics. Additionally, understanding how to visualize data (Module 1) can aid in presenting analytical findings about content engagement or market trends in a clear and persuasive manner.
Technical Communications Specialist
A Technical Communications Specialist creates clear and concise documentation and content, often explaining complex technical information to various audiences. This course may be useful for a Technical Communications Specialist because it emphasizes structuring narratives (Module 4) and communicating insights effectively (Module 8). While not solely focused on textual communication, the principles of creating visual hierarchies and designing data stories can be applied to enhance technical reports, manuals, and presentations. Learning to visualize data effectively (Module 1) can also help a specialist to incorporate impactful charts and graphs into their materials, making complex data more accessible and understandable for end-users.

Reading list

We've selected 50 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 Data Visualization and the Art of Storytelling - Bachelor's.
This foundational book in the field of interactive data visualization, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the field. It covers topics such as data representation, interaction techniques, and design principles. It must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
This classic book by Edward Tufte must-read for anyone interested in data visualization. It covers a wide range of topics, from the principles of visual perception to the design of effective charts and graphs.
Seminal work on the grammar of graphics, a formal language for describing data visualizations. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of the grammar of graphics to the use of the grammar of graphics to create a variety of charts and graphs.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of visualization analysis and design. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of data visualization to advanced visualization techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic and start creating their own visualizations.
Focuses on the practical aspects of creating visualizations that effectively communicate a message to a specific audience. It's highly relevant for those looking to apply chart design principles in a business context and understand the storytelling aspect of data. It's a popular choice for professionals and students alike.
The third edition of the essential guide to data wrangling with pandas, NumPy, and Jupyter in Python. Updated for newer versions of the libraries, this book remains a core resource for anyone performing data analysis in Python. It widely used textbook and reference for its clear explanations and practical examples.
This comprehensive book offers a broad understanding of visual perception, covering its foundations from the initial processing of light by the eyes to the subjective experience of seeing. It is widely regarded as a foundational text in the field and is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. is valuable as a primary textbook and a comprehensive reference.
This recent book provides practical guidance and actionable tips for creating better data visualizations. It's relevant for contemporary chart design practices and focuses on making visualizations more accessible and effective for a wide audience. It's a valuable resource for researchers and anyone communicating data.
Provides practical guidance on designing tables and graphs for effective communication of quantitative information. It's a valuable resource for anyone who needs to create clear and understandable charts and tables in a professional setting.
This comprehensive textbook covers the principles and techniques of data visualization design and analysis. It's suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students seeking a deep theoretical understanding of the field, including chart design within a broader visualization context. It's a rigorous academic resource.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of interactive visual data analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of data visualization to advanced visualization techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic and start creating their own interactive data visualizations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data visualization techniques, including best practices for designing effective dashboards.
Examines the relationship between evidence and visualization, focusing on analytical thinking and the credible presentation of data. It's relevant for those looking to deepen their understanding of how chart design intersects with the rigorous analysis and presentation of information. It's a valuable resource for professionals and graduate students.
Provides a foundational understanding of the fundamental principles of data science and the data-analytic thinking necessary for extracting value from data in a business context. It is highly relevant for undergraduate business analytics programs and working professionals. It serves as a useful reference for understanding the business applications of data analysis and is commonly used as a textbook.
Applies principles of visual perception to the field of design, particularly information visualization. It explains how an understanding of human perception can lead to more effective and intuitive designs. It is highly relevant for students and professionals in data visualization, UX design, and related fields.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data visualization techniques, including best practices for designing effective dashboards. It also covers the latest trends in data visualization.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data visualization, covering the basics of visual perception, data types, and chart types. It great resource for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of data visualization.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of interactive data visualization for the web, covering topics such as data representation, interaction techniques, and design principles. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic and start creating their own interactive data visualizations.
Provides a practical guide to data visualization. It covers a wide range of topics, from choosing the right chart type to designing effective visualizations. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about data visualization and start creating their own visualizations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and techniques of interactive and dynamic data visualization using R. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic data representation to advanced visualization techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Provides a systematic introduction to the principles and practice of data visualization using the R programming language and the ggplot2 package. It's excellent for gaining a broad understanding of the technical aspects of creating various chart types. It can serve as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate programs.
Bridges the gap between statistical theory and its practical application in data science using R and Python. It focuses on the statistical concepts most relevant to data scientists and provides code examples. It's a useful reference and learning resource for those applying statistics in their work.
Provides a comprehensive guide to eye-tracking methodology, covering theoretical concepts and practical applications. It is highly relevant for researchers and professionals using eye-tracking in fields such as psychology, neuroscience, human-computer interaction, and marketing. This book useful reference tool for those conducting eye-tracking studies.
Offers a practical guide to creating informative and aesthetically pleasing data visualizations using R and ggplot2. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication and provides a good balance of theory and practical application, suitable for deepening understanding. It's a valuable resource for students and researchers.
Offers a new way of thinking about data science and ethics informed by intersectional feminist thought. It challenges existing power structures within data and explores how data can be used to work towards justice. It's highly relevant for contemporary discussions around fairness and bias in data analysis.
Focuses on the principles of designing effective dashboards for monitoring information. It's relevant for those applying chart design within the context of business intelligence and performance monitoring. It provides practical guidance for creating clear and efficient visual displays.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ggplot2 package in R, a popular data visualization library. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic data manipulation to advanced visualization techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about data visualization using R.
Is an excellent starting point for anyone new to data analysis or statistics. It demystifies core statistical concepts without relying heavily on mathematical formulas, making it highly accessible for high school and undergraduate students. It provides a strong foundation in the intuition behind statistical analysis and helps readers understand how data can be used and misused. This is valuable background reading that builds prerequisite knowledge.
Offers a broad overview of visual perception, integrating physiological, psychological, and ecological perspectives. It suitable textbook for undergraduate courses and provides a good introduction to the diverse aspects of the field. The book helps solidify understanding by presenting different theoretical approaches to visual perception.
Paul Ohm delves into the ethical challenges posed by big data and analytics, examining issues such as privacy, fairness, and discrimination.
Explores the use of data sketches, which are approximate representations of data, to visualize large datasets. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of data sketching to advanced visualization techniques. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic and start creating their own data sketches.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of data visualization techniques and best practices. It covers a wide range of chart types and offers practical tips for creating effective visualizations, making it a useful reference for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
This practical guide explores the application of visual perception and computer vision in the context of self-driving cars. It covers topics such as lane detection, object classification, and using sensor data. is particularly relevant for those interested in contemporary applications of visual perception in autonomous systems and has a strong practical focus.
Teaches probability and statistics using a computational approach with Python. It's ideal for students and professionals with programming experience who want to understand statistical concepts by doing. It helps solidify understanding through hands-on application.
Showcases a collection of creative and unique data visualizations, offering inspiration and insights into contemporary chart design practices. It's valuable for exploring innovative approaches and pushing the boundaries of traditional chart types. It's suitable for designers and enthusiasts.
Beginner's guide to using Tableau, one of the most popular data visualization tools. It covers the basics of Tableau, as well as how to use Tableau to create a variety of charts and graphs.
A guide to data storytelling with R. covers the basics of data visualization and dashboarding in R and provides tips on how to use R to create effective data stories.
A timeless classic that remains highly relevant today. exposes common ways statistics can be manipulated or misinterpreted, fostering a critical eye essential for anyone working with data. It's valuable for all levels, from high school to professional, as it highlights the importance of data integrity and ethical considerations. This serves as crucial additional reading to develop data literacy.
SQL fundamental skill for data analysis, and this book delves into advanced techniques for working with data in databases. It's essential for anyone who needs to retrieve and manipulate data stored in relational databases. It serves as a valuable reference for more complex data extraction and transformation tasks.
Focuses on the use of Tableau, a popular data visualization software, to create interactive data visualizations. It provides detailed instructions on how to use Tableau's various features and techniques to create effective and engaging visualizations.
Michael Kearns and Aaron Roth focus on the development of ethical algorithms, providing a framework for designing algorithms that are fair, transparent, and accountable.
Provides a step-by-step guide to using Tableau Desktop, one of the most popular data visualization tools.
Written in an accessible style, this book serves as an excellent introduction to visual perception for beginners. It covers fundamental concepts such as color, motion, and depth perception with clear explanations and illustrations. is ideal for high school students and those new to the topic, providing a solid base for further study.
This seminal work presents Gibson's theory of ecological perception, emphasizing the role of the environment and the observer's action in perception. It foundational text in ecological psychology and offers a contrasting perspective to traditional cognitive approaches. classic and essential reading for those interested in the theoretical underpinnings of perception.
Explores the world of prediction and forecasting across various fields, demonstrating how data analysis and statistical modeling are used in practice. It's particularly engaging for undergraduate and graduate students interested in the application of data analysis in real-world scenarios. It adds breadth by showcasing diverse applications and the challenges involved in making accurate predictions.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Data Visualization and the Art of Storytelling - Bachelor's.
Tableau 2020 Training for Data Science & Business...
Most relevant
Data Visualization Fundamentals
Most relevant
Data Visualization with R
Most relevant
Learn Tableau by Working on Exciting Dashboards
Most relevant
Data Visualization with Python
Most relevant
Creating an Interactive Graph with Tableau Public
Most relevant
Data Storytelling
Most relevant
Unlocking Business Insights through Storytelling with Data
Most relevant
The Power of Storytelling: How to Visualize Data in the...
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser