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Module 7: Data Visualization

The Data Visualization module introduce participants to the key principles of telling a story with data. Presentations cover the principles of data visualization, including why data visualization can boost comprehension and key design principles. The presentations include a wide variety of examples, as well as “before” and “after” case studies, illustrating how visualizations can be improved. Exercises challenge participants to create their own data visualizations, both working in groups and working individually with their own research.

At the conclusion of this module, participants will be able to:

  1. Define key principles of data visualization.
  2. Describe common features of infographics.
  3. Critique a data visualization based on graphic design standards.
  4. Construct their own data visualization.

At the conclusion of this module, participants will have developed their own:

  1. Data visualization.

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Components

Visualizing Data I (DV1L)

Time: 1 hr.

This presentation defines data visualization, illustrates how data visualization can improve understanding of the story within data, and outlines an approach to planning a data visualization.

Components

Presentation

Facilitator Guide

Required Preparation

A Business Guide for Visual Communication

Visualizing Data II (DV2L)

Time: 1 hr.

This presentation picks up from Data Visualization I, and introduces common design principles for data visualization, as well as briefly introduces tools participants can use to create a data visualization. This session can stand alone to support the Creating Policy Presentations Module if you wish to challenge participants to improve the design of graphics and figures in their PowerPoint slides.

Components

Presentation

Facilitator Guide

Data Viz Challenge (DV3E)

Time: 1 hr.

In this small group exercise, teams work together to produce a data visualization in a short time period. A panel of judges selects the winner.

Components

Small Group Exercise

Facilitator Guide

Required Preparation

Data Visualization Checklist

Visualize Your Data (DV4A)

Time: Varies

In this activity, participants apply the principles of data visualization to their own topic or research by creating a data visualization.

Components

Worksheet

Facilitator Guide

Supplemental Activities

Working Group Session 7 (DVS1G)

Time: 1 hr.

After creating an individual data visualization in session DV4A, participants meet in their small groups to share their work, critique their peers, and receive feedback on their visualizations.

Components

Facilitator Guide

Required Preparation

Complete session DV4A