Data Visualization and Storytelling

Content

Objective

This course provides students with knowledge of visualizing and communicating insights from data. In this context, the objectives of the course are determined as follows:
• Teach students how to transform data into compelling visuals and stories.
• Empower students to derive actionable insights to inform decision-making.
• Develop technical skills such as data cleansing, creating visualizations, and designing interactive dashboards.
• Develop soft skills such as problem scoping, visual design, and communicating insights to empower decision-makers.
• Distinguish between "showing data" and "telling stories" through case studies.
• Provide practical experience with Tableau software and basic spreadsheet operations.

Course Content

Week 1 (Sep 16): Data, Information, Knowledge, and Storytelling
• Week 2 (Sep 23): Establishing the Context: Defining the Problem Accurately and Target Audience Analysis
• Week 3 (Sep 30): Case Studies: The Importance of Data Accuracy – Introduction to Tableau
• Week 4 (Oct 7): Data Structuring – Exploratory Data Analysis I (Recognizing and Cleaning Data) – Tableau Classwork
• Week 5 (Oct 14): Case Studies: Data Visualization and Storytelling
• Week 6 (Oct 21): Seeing Patterns in Data – Exploratory Data Analysis II (Outliers and Relationships) – Tableau Classwork
• Week 7 (Oct 28): Public Holiday (Eve of October 29 Republic Day)
• Week 8 (Nov 4): Visual Presentation and Storytelling Formats I (Line and Area Charts – Heat Maps – Color Theory) – Tableau Classwork
• Week 9 (Nov 11): Visual Presentation and Storytelling Formats II (Tree Maps – Visual Fallacies) – Tableau Classwork
• Week 10 (Nov 18): Thinking Like a Designer: Faster and More Effective Visuals – Simple Design Principles
• Week 11(Nov 25): Dashboard Design – Actions and Interaction – Tableau Classwork
• Week 12 (Dec 2): Making Sense of Data: Critical Data Literacy and Interpretation
• Week 13 (Dec 9): Case Studies: Data Visualization and Storytelling
• Week 14 (Dec 16): Project Presentation of Data Visualization and Storytelling

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze and interpret data to identify meaningful patterns, trends, and actionable insights that support informed decision-making.

2. Apply data cleaning and preparation techniques using basic spreadsheet operations to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and usability.

3. Create effective data visualizations by selecting appropriate chart types and applying visual design principles to communicate information clearly.

4. Design and develop interactive dashboards using Tableau to explore, analyze, and present data effectively.

5. Apply problem-scoping and analytical thinking skills to define business problems, identify relevant data, and develop data-driven solutions.

6. Differentiate between data presentation and data storytelling by critically evaluating case studies and applying storytelling techniques to communicate insights.

7. Construct compelling data-driven narratives that integrate visualizations, context, and key findings to engage audiences and support decision-making.

8. Communicate analytical findings and actionable recommendations effectively to diverse stakeholders through clear, persuasive, and visually engaging presentations.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Lecture, Discussion, Reading, Case Studies, Software.

References

• Knaflic, C. N. (2025). Storytelling with data: A data visualization guide for business professionals. John Wiley & Sons.
• Tufte, E. R., & Graves-Morris, P. R. (1983). The visual display of quantitative information (Vol. 2, No. 9). Cheshire, CT: Graphics Press.
• Cairo, A. (2016). The truthful art: Data, charts, and maps for communication. New Riders.
• Tableau Software. < https://www.tableau.com/academic/students>

Weekly Contents

Assessment System

ECTS