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Danielle Szafir

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.

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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.
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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
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
Gain insights into the principles of effective data storytelling, enhancing your ability to communicate your visualizations effectively.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Identify examples of data storytelling in your own field.
Join a study group
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Complete tutorials on D3.js
Expand your skillset by learning D3.js, a popular JavaScript library for creating interactive data visualizations.
Browse courses on D3.js
Show steps
  • Follow online tutorials on D3.js.
  • Build a basic D3.js visualization.
Create a visualization dashboard
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data visualization, covering the principles of visual perception, data transformation, and the creation of effective visualizations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of information visualization, including the history, theory, and practice of creating visualizations.
Presents a comprehensive guide to data visualization, covering the principles of visual perception and how to use them to create effective visualizations.
Provides a comprehensive guide to creating interactive data visualizations using the D3.js library.

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