Course Overview

Effective data visualization supports clear, accurate, and responsible communication. Strong visuals help people quickly identify patterns, make comparisons, and make meaning from data. When design choices are unclear or poorly aligned with purpose, however, visualizations can confuse audiences or distort interpretation.

This course introduces participants to core principles of data visualization, with a practical focus on attention, clarity, and purpose. Participants will explore how design choices influence interpretation, learn how to select appropriate chart types, and practice improving visuals so that they communicate more effectively. Throughout the course, the emphasis remains on creating visuals that support understanding, decision-making, and storytelling for different audiences.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of data visualization and how it supports understanding, decision-making, and storytelling for different audiences
• Evaluate existing data visualizations to identify design choices that enhance or hinder readability, accuracy, and interpretation
• Select appropriate chart and graph types based on data type, audience needs, and communication goals
• Apply principles of visual attention, including pre-attentive attributes and basic graphic design principles, to guide readers toward what matters most

Course Format

This course is delivered in two live, virtual, instructor-led modules (or one day in-person). Each session includes instruction, examples, and hands-on practice using Excel. Participants will work with provided practice files and receive a course handout to support continued application after the course.

Module Breakdown

Module 1: Purpose, Attention, and Visual Foundations

The first module focuses on the role of data visualization in communicating information clearly and responsibly. Participants explore how people perceive visual information and how attention and design influence interpretation. The session introduces core principles of visual attention, including pre-attentive attributes and basic graphic design concepts. Participants also begin evaluating existing visualizations to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

Module 2: Chart Selection and Improving Visual Communication

The second module emphasizes practical application. Participants learn how to select appropriate chart and graph types based on data characteristics, audience needs, and communication goals. Building on concepts from the first module, participants practice revising and improving data visualizations to enhance clarity, accuracy, and interpretability. The session focuses on making intentional design choices that help audiences quickly understand what matters most.

Who Should Attend

This course is appropriate for:

• Professionals who work with data and need to communicate insights clearly
• Evaluators, researchers, and analysts presenting findings to diverse audiences
• Program and learning staff responsible for reports, dashboards, or presentations
• Anyone seeking to build or strengthen foundational data visualization skills

Prerequisites

Participants should have basic Microsoft Excel skills. All exercises are conducted in Excel using provided practice files.