• Unit 1: Introduction to Data Visualization

    A data analyst understands both the statistical and psychological sides of data. That is, in addition to knowing how to interpret data and create charts, an analyst must also consider how their work will be perceived by their intended audience. This unit will introduce you to the concept of data visualization and the psychology of visual perception.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • distinguish between terms used in data science;
      • discuss the significance of data visualization;
      • explain how the brain processes visual stimuli; and
      • identify principles of design.

      • 1.1: Introduction to Data Visualization Design

        • The Beauty of Data Visualization Page
          This video introduces the concepts you will learn in this course. Pay attention to the examples of data presentation in the video. What types of data visualization are presented? How can we take data and present it in a way to bring clarity to the audience? How can we solve information problems? As you watch the video, answer these questions.
        • Designing Figures Page

          This lecture discusses how color, size, and whitespace can increase the amount of information captured in a single graphic and how the deliberate use of the design principles can reduce the "time to insight": How long it takes the audience to unpack information?

      • 1.2: Visual Perception

        • Introduction to Data Visualization Page

          For a data visualization to be considered useful, it must be understood when presented. Watch this summary of how ideas from psychology can guide the creation and presentation of data visualization.

        • Data Visualization Page

          This video will further explain how your audience will perceive and understand the visual information you display. Note how the speaker uses the visualization principles discussed to create the figures used in the presentation.

      • Unit 1 Assessment

        • Unit 1 Assessment Quiz
          Receive a grade

          Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

          • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
          • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
          • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.