Data Visualisation for Knowledge Translation

What is the course about?

This course is designed to teach individuals ways to translate and present their work into creative and compelling visualisations.

The course will explore:

• the importance of data visualisation in knowledge translation
• understanding your audience and how best to communicate to them
• principles of data visualisation
• 6-step process behind conceptualising and designing a data visualisation or infographic
• incorporating data storytelling into your designs
• designing a research summary infographic
• designing charts in Excel including: small multiples bar chart, slope chart, icon array, heat map and sparklines.
• exploring different chart types and their functions
• how to use visual attributes to make your designs more elegant, easy to understand and interpret
• practical activities and a wide range of online references for further information.

Course outline:

1. Introduction to Data Visualisation: Uncover the power of data visualisation and its role in effective communication. Learn how visualising data can transform complex information into clear, compelling stories.
2. Understanding Your Audience: Discover the importance of tailoring your visualisations to your audience. Explore techniques for identifying the most effective ways to communicate data based on your audience's needs and preferences.
3. Principles of Data Visualisation: Master the fundamental principles of data visualisation and design, including simplicity, alignment, order, accuracy, hierarchy, white space, and text. These principles will serve as the foundation for creating impactful and visually appealing representations of data.
4. Six-Step Process for Designing Visualisations: Gain insight into the step-by-step process behind conceptualising and designing a data visualisation and infographic. Learn how to transform raw data into meaningful visual narratives that captivate and inform.
5. Data Storytelling: Explore the art of transforming a chart into a compelling story. Understand how narrative elements can be integrated with data visualisations to create a more engaging and memorable experience for your audience.
6. Designing Research Summary Infographics: Dive into the practical aspects of designing research summary infographics. Develop skills to distill complex research findings into visually digestible formats.
7. Excel Chart Design: Get hands-on experience in designing charts using Excel. Explore a variety of chart types, including small multiples bar charts, data bars, slope charts, icon arrays, heat maps, and sparklines.
8. Exploring Chart Types: Expand your charting repertoire by exploring different chart types and their specific functions. Gain insights into when and how to use each type effectively.
9. Visual Attributes for Elegant Design: Learn how to use visual attributes to enhance the elegance, clarity, and interpretability of your designs. Understand the role of colour, size, shape, and other visual elements in creating impactful and memorable designs.
10. Practical Activities and Online References: Apply your knowledge through practical activities designed to reinforce key concepts. Additionally, access a wide range of online references for further exploration and continuous learning in the dynamic field of data visualisation.