• Unit 6: Storytelling with Data

    Stories and storytelling are ingrained in our culture because they are powerful ways to connect and convey information. Most stories include visual elements such as pictures, shapes, colors, and textual annotations. Every aspect is strategically structured to create a narrative flow toward the main point and overall message. In this way, visual elements engage us and provoke us to think by helping us draw conclusions and ask questions. In Unit 1, you learned how to conduct data analysis using datasets. You discovered significant data findings, facts, and insights through that process. Now, how will you convey that information to others? You can communicate data findings through visual communications and storytelling. This unit will teach you to apply graphic design to visual communications. You will also learn strategies for structuring and organizing the flow and order of data narratives for storytelling.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.

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

      • identify and define basic principles and methods of graphical design;
      • apply basic principles and methods of graphical design;
      • identify and define visual types, data encoding, and textual annotations for visual communications and storytelling; and
      • evaluate how the use of visual communications improves the conveyance of ideas, information, and interpretation of data.

    • 6.1: Graphic Design for Data

      • Using Data Visualization Page

        Data visualizations have uses far beyond charts and graphs. It can have a role in products by helping us understand customers, design marketing efforts, communicate with team members, and develop products. Watch this video to explore how you can use data visualizations in these areas.

      • Using Data Visualization Page

        Watch this video to explore the best practices with telling visual stories with data.

    • 6.2: Data Encoding and Annotation

      • Why Is Data Visualization Important? 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 essential to develop 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 The Visual Side of Storytelling

      • Visualizing the Receding Sea Ice Sheets 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?

      • How to Present 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.

      • Using Data Visualization to Persuade Book

        Read this continuation of the previous article to explore the uses of storytelling and see some techniques that can help you persuade people to action.

      • Presenting Using Storytelling Page

        Watch this video to view a presentation created using storytelling best practices.

    • 6.4: Principles of Effective Dashboards

      • What’s in a Dashboard? Page

        With the explosion in visualizations, dashboards have become a prevalent tool for organizations to manage their business. Dashboards typically focus on high-level performance metrics that provide key indicators to alert managers when action is needed. Watch this video to learn how to create effective dashboards and what should and should not be included on a dashboard.

      • Data Visualizations in the Pandemic Page

        Data visualizations have become so ubiquitous that they became a necessary tool in the COVID-19 pandemic. Terms like "flatten the curve" were introduced and presented as dashboards in newspapers, TV news, and online. Read this article and learn how simple visualizations had a significant effect during the pandemic.

    • 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.