• Unit 6: Creating Effective Visualizations

    Effective visualizations help users present data in such a way that the audience can easily comprehend it. There are best practices for creating compelling visualizations, and when used properly, these visualizations can tell illuminating stories. Visualization requirements can change depending on the audience they are presented to. Senior management may want the highlights or the "big picture", while middle managers may want to see the detail that supports the conclusions presented in the visualization. This unit examines visualization best practices in light of human visual comprehension and the audience being presented to. Emphasis will be on using the data to tell a story such that the analysis conclusion is comprehendible by all.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 6 hours.

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

      • examine visualization best practices for different audiences;
      • identify why creating effective visualizations is an iterative process; and
      • explain how data visualizations can be used to tell stories.

    • 6.1: Best Practices in Visualization

      • Data Visualization Page

        Well-crafted data visualizations not only present data in easily understood images, but when done well, they enable the viewer to quickly perceive insights they may have missed if presented in summary tables and spreadsheets. Watch this video to learn how visualizations can take complex information and present it clearly, expertly, and precisely to an audience.

    • 6.2: How to Think about Visualization

      • Importance of Data Visualization Page

        Data visualization has been around for a long time. With the advent of better software, faster processors, and cheaper memory, it has become easier to create and iterate visualizations. With this power comes responsibility. This article explores why, more than ever, it is important to create good visualizations that clearly articulate the point the analyst is trying to make. While reading the article, think about the best and the worst presentations you've seen and determine what about them generated your strong feelings either way. Based on this article, what was it that the presenter did well or could have improved on?

    • 6.3: Telling a Story with Data

      • Storytelling with Data and GGPlot Page

        The most effective storytelling helps the audience reach the right conclusion and take the appropriate action. This article provides an example of how data is used to tell a story about reducing global sea ice. Do you believe the author was successful in telling their story? What would you have done differently?

      • Presenting Data Page

        Watch this video to explore best practices for including data in your presentations. Some tips include choosing the correct type of chart, using the right colors to help your point stand out, and the finishing touches that will help your visual resonate with your audience.

      • Storytelling and Visualization Book

        Storytelling has been a useful tool to communicate information and knowledge over time. Using visualizations to tell a story with data helps make the information more concise and memorable. Read this article through the 'User Engagement' section to explore the overall benefits of using data to tell stories that help the author break through the clutter and persuade people to action.

    • Study Guide: Unit 6

      We recommend reviewing this Study Guide before taking the Unit 6 Assessment.

    • Unit 6 Assessment

      • Unit 6 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.