DSE 2001 - Creating Information Graphics

Credits: 4

This course develops the skills to create charts, graphs, and interactive dashboards in ggplot, R Shiny, and Tableau to “tell the story of the data”. Data is information. It is gathered both in simple and complex ways. In its raw form, it can be difficult to comprehend. Data visualization is presenting data in visual form (charts, graphs, visual instructions, patterns, videos) to effectively communicate stories. It is both art and science. As an interdisciplinary field, data visualization incorporates statistics, computer science, and graphic design. In this course, these terms are defined, compared, and contrasted. Lecture, discussion, reflective writing, group critique, collaboration, and oral presentation are employed throughout the semester. Exercises and projects include, but are not limited to: conducting empirical research for gathering data, learning introductory industry-standard visualizing software, collaborative user-experience design projects, and telling stories through sequential communication. Projects range from charts, maps, and guides to instructional videos and illustrated diagrams to mobile app screens. The course also addresses ethical and social justice questions with its analysis of data questioning who generates it, who owns it, how it is disseminated, who benefits, and why it is important to understand its power in the 21st century. Students are expected to work outside of class to finish projects.