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Fundamentals of Data Visualization

Data is everywhere. Charts, graphs, and other types of information visualizations help people to make sense of this data. This course explores the design, development, and evaluation of such information visualizations. By combining aspects of design, computer graphics, HCI, and data science, you will gain hands-on experience with creating visualizations, using exploratory tools, and architecting data narratives. Topics include user-centered design, web-based visualization, data cognition and perception, and design evaluation.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s MS in Data Science or MS in Computer Science degrees offered on the Coursera platform. These fully accredited graduate degrees offer targeted courses, short 8-week sessions, and pay-as-you-go tuition. Admission is based on performance in three preliminary courses, not academic history. CU degrees on Coursera are ideal for recent graduates or working professionals. Learn more:

MS in Data Science: https://www.coursera.org/degrees/master-of-science-data-science-boulder

MS in Computer Science: https://coursera.org/degrees/ms-computer-science-boulder

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What's inside

Syllabus

Basics of Design

In this module, you will learn the foundations of visualization design. You will walk through the key components of a visualization, how we effectively represent data using channels like color, size, and position, and some ground rules for honest and effective visualization. You will also gain preliminary exposure to Altair, a Python library for rapidly generating interactive visualizations. Each week will also include either two readings or one reading and one notebook activity.

User Needs

In this module, you will learn how to choose the right visualization for a given scenario. You will learn how to reason about the different kinds of questions people ask with visualization and, how to align your design with that task. The module will cover basics of task analysis, methods for task elicitation, and foundational knowledge of visual perception for design. Each week will also include two external readings or one reading and one notebook activity.

Evaluation

In this module, you will learn how to assess the effectiveness of your visualization. You will learn both qualitative and quantitative approaches for evaluating visualizations as well as how to isolate key elements for assessment and iteration. The module will cover basics of insight-based evaluation, interview studies, and experimental design and analysis. Each week will also include two external readings or one reading and one notebook activity.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explorea fundamentos de diseño, representación de datos y principios básicos de visualización

Enseña sobre requisitos del usuario, análisis de tareas y percepción visual para el diseño

Desarrolla métodos de evaluación cualitativos y cuantitativos para validar la efectividad de las visualizaciones

Utiliza la biblioteca de Python Altair para generar visualizaciones interactivas

Incluye actividades en el cuaderno de notas y lecturas externas para reforzar el aprendizaje práctico

Requiere experiencia previa en fundamentos de diseño gráfico

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Reviews summary

Data viz fundamentals

Learners say this course provides well-explained lessons and engaging assignments in data visualization. The course instructor, Prof. Danielle, receives high praise for her ability to clearly explain difficult concepts in a way that is accessible to learners of all levels.

The course provides clear explanations of difficult concepts.

"Prof. Danielle nails all the steps of how to gather knowledge, develop and test your visualizations implementations and assumptions."

"It really opened my eyes on how to do data visualization in a scientific way."

This is an excellent course.

"thanks alot , excellent course"

"EXCELLENT COURSE , THANK YOU VERY MUCH"

"Very Lively interaction from the mentor."

The course material is dense with limited exercises.

"The material is very dense with very limited exercise of the material."

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 Fundamentals of Data Visualization with these activities:

Review Altair basics

Show steps

Refresh your memory of Altair, ensuring you have the foundational knowledge required for this course.

Browse courses on Altair

Show steps

Revisit the Altair documentation and tutorials.
Practice creating simple visualizations using Altair.

Read Storytelling with Data

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Gain insights into the principles of effective data storytelling, enhancing your ability to communicate your visualizations effectively.

View Daphne Draws Data: A Storytelling with Data... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Identify examples of data storytelling in your own field.

Join a study group

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Engage with peers, discuss course material, and reinforce your understanding through collaborative learning.

Show steps

Find a study group or create your own.
Set regular meeting times.
Take turns presenting and discussing course concepts.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Complete tutorials on D3.js

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Expand your skillset by learning D3.js, a popular JavaScript library for creating interactive data visualizations.

Browse courses on D3.js

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Follow online tutorials on D3.js.
Build a basic D3.js visualization.

Create a visualization dashboard

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Demonstrate your understanding by creating a comprehensive data visualization dashboard using the skills acquired in this course.

Show steps

Identify a dataset and design your dashboard.
Use a visualization library to create interactive visualizations.
Deploy your dashboard online.

Contribute to a data visualization project

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Get involved in the open-source community, contribute to real-world projects, and gain hands-on experience in data visualization.

Show steps

Find an open-source data visualization project.
Identify a way to contribute, such as fixing bugs or adding features.
Submit a pull request to the project.

Attend visualization conferences

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Network with experts in the field, learn about cutting-edge techniques, and gain insights into industry trends.

Show steps

Identify relevant visualization conferences.
Attend sessions and workshops.
Connect with speakers and attendees.

Career center

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

Visual Journalist

Visual Journalists use data and visualization to tell stories and convey information. This course can provide a good foundation by teaching the basics of visualization design, user needs, and evaluation. A background in journalism or communication may also be beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Journalist

Data Visualization Engineer

Data Visualization Engineers are the designers behind the visualizations that provide insights from data. This course can help build a foundation for this career by teaching the basics of design, user needs, and evaluation. A background in programming is typically needed, and topics in web-based visualization would be applicable to this job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Engineer

Interaction Designer

Interaction Designers design and create interactive experiences, often involving the use of visualization. This course can help build a foundation for this career by teaching the basics of design, user needs, and evaluation. Some background in programming may be beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer

User Experience (UX) Designer

UX Designers focus on the experience of a user with a product or service. This can include the design of visualizations that convey information effectively. This course can be useful for a UX Designer by teaching them about the principles of visualization design, user needs, and evaluation.

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

Product Designer

Product Designers design and develop digital products, which can include the use of visualization. This course may be useful for a Product Designer by teaching them about the principles of visualization design, user needs, and evaluation. Some programming knowledge may also be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business Intelligence Analysts use data to help businesses make better decisions, which can include the use of visualization to communicate findings. This course may be useful for a Business Intelligence Analyst by teaching the principles of visualization design, user needs, and evaluation. A background in business and some programming knowledge may be beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data to solve business problems, which can involve the use of visualization to communicate findings. This course may be useful for a Data Analyst by teaching the principles of visualization design, user needs, and evaluation. A background in statistics and programming is typically required.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Education Researcher

Education Researchers use data to improve education, which can involve the use of visualization to present findings. This course may be useful for an Education Researcher by teaching the principles of visualization design, user needs, and evaluation. A background in education and research methods is typically required.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Researcher

Public Health Researcher

Public Health Researchers use data to improve public health, which can involve the use of visualization to present findings. This course may be useful for a Public Health Researcher by teaching the principles of visualization design, user needs, and evaluation. A background in public health and research methods is typically required.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Researcher

Social Science Researcher

Social Science Researchers use data to study human behavior and society, which can involve the use of visualization to present findings. This course may be useful for a Social Science Researcher by teaching the principles of visualization design, user needs, and evaluation. A background in social science and research methods is typically required.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Science Researcher

Survey Researcher

Survey Researchers design and conduct surveys, which can involve the use of visualization to present findings. This course may be useful for a Survey Researcher by teaching the principles of visualization design, user needs, and evaluation. A background in statistics and research methods is typically required.

See salaries and explore the career path for Survey Researcher

Web Designer

Web Designers design and develop websites, which can include the use of visualization to display data and information. This course may be useful for a Web Designer by teaching the principles of visualization design, user needs, and evaluation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Market Researcher

Market Researchers collect and analyze data about customers and markets, which can involve the use of visualization to present findings. This course may be useful for a Market Researcher by teaching the principles of visualization design, user needs, and evaluation. A background in statistics and business may be beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use a variety of techniques to extract knowledge from data. This may include the use of visualization to discover patterns and insights. This course would be useful for a Data Scientist by teaching the principles of visualization design and evaluation. Basic knowledge of programming is typically required.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Information Architect

Information Architects design and organize websites and other information systems. This can include the use of visualization to help users find and understand information more easily. This course may be helpful for an Information Architect by teaching the principles of visualization design, user needs, and evaluation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Reading list

We've selected 13 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 Fundamentals of Data Visualization.

Beautiful Evidence

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This classic book on data visualization provides a set of principles for creating effective visualizations and discusses the use of color, typography, and other visual elements.

Beautiful Evidence

Hardcover

Fundamentals of Data Visualization

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Provides a comprehensive overview of data visualization, covering the principles of visual perception, data transformation, and the creation of effective visualizations.

Fundamentals of Data Visualization: A Primer on...

Kindle Edition

$$$