This course introduces the core principles of data visualization and how to use them to craft compelling narratives. Over eight modules, students will learn how to visualize data effectively, select appropriate charts, and integrate advanced techniques such as interactivity, geospatial mapping, and storytelling. By the end of the course, students will have created a portfolio of visualizations that communicate data-driven stories.

Data Visualization and the Art of Storytelling - Bachelor's
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Recommended experience
Recommended experience
Beginner level
This course is ideal for students from diverse fields—whether you’re studying business, humanities, social sciences, or STEM related field.
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
Beginner level
This course is ideal for students from diverse fields—whether you’re studying business, humanities, social sciences, or STEM related field.
What you'll learn
Understand the core principles of data visualization.
Use visual storytelling to communicate data insights.
Details to know

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October 2025
33 assignments
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There are 9 modules in this course
This module introduces the core principles and significance of data visualization. Learners will explore the history and development of data visualization, understand how visual perception plays a role in interpreting data, and gain experience creating basic charts like bar charts, line charts, and pie charts.
What's included
21 videos7 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt
21 videos• Total 118 minutes
- Course Overview• 3 minutes
- Instructor Introduction• 2 minutes
- Module 1 Introduction• 4 minutes
- What is Data Visualization - Pt. 1• 6 minutes
- What is Data Visualization - Pt. 2• 4 minutes
- The Importance of Data Visualization• 7 minutes
- When and Why to Use Data Visualization• 6 minutes
- Challenges in Data Visualization• 6 minutes
- Early History of Data Visualization• 5 minutes
- 19th Century Milestones - The Pioneers - p1• 6 minutes
- 19th Century Milestones - The Pioneers - p2• 4 minutes
- The 20th Century - The Rise of Modern Data Visualization• 6 minutes
- Data Visualization in the Digital Age• 6 minutes
- How Humans Perceive Visual Information• 6 minutes
- Visual Perception and Data Interpretation - Pt. 1• 5 minutes
- Visual Perception and Data Interpretation - Pt. 2• 5 minutes
- Visual Perception and Data Interpretation - Tutorial 1• 8 minutes
- Data Intepretation - Tutorial 2• 9 minutes
- Managing Cognitive Load in Visualizations• 9 minutes
- Managing Cognitive Load in Visualizations - Tutorial 3• 9 minutes
- Designing for Accessibility and Clarity• 4 minutes
7 readings• Total 220 minutes
- Syllabus• 10 minutes
- Module 1 Introduction• 10 minutes
- Introduction to Data Visualization: Why It Matters • 60 minutes
- History and Key Milestones in Data Visualization• 60 minutes
- The Role of Visual Perception in Understanding Data• 60 minutes
- Module 1 Visualization Activity• 10 minutes
- Module 1 Summary• 10 minutes
4 assignments• Total 165 minutes
- Introduction to Data Visualization Quiz• 15 minutes
- History and Key Milestones in Data Visualization Quiz• 15 minutes
- The Role of Visual Perception in Understanding Data Quiz• 15 minutes
- Module 1 Summative Assessment• 120 minutes
1 discussion prompt• Total 10 minutes
- Meet and Greet Discussion• 10 minutes
In this module, we will explore the foundational concepts of data types and their importance in analysis and visualization. By understanding the differences between qualitative and quantitative data and the four levels of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio), you'll gain the skills to select appropriate visualizations that accurately represent your data. This knowledge forms the basis for creating impactful and meaningful data stories.
What's included
13 videos5 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt
13 videos• Total 51 minutes
- Module 2 Introduction• 3 minutes
- Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Data• 3 minutes
- Characteristics of Qualitative Data• 4 minutes
- Characteristics of Quantitative Data• 3 minutes
- When to Use Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data• 3 minutes
- Overview of Measurement Levels• 4 minutes
- Nominal and Ordinal Data• 4 minutes
- Interval and Ratio Data• 4 minutes
- Why the Data Type Matters• 5 minutes
- Visualizing Amounts• 6 minutes
- Visualizing Distributions• 5 minutes
- Visualizing Proportions• 5 minutes
- In Review: Matching the Chart to the Story• 4 minutes
5 readings• Total 200 minutes
- Understanding Qualitative Vs. Quantitative Data• 60 minutes
- Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, and Ratio Data Explained• 60 minutes
- Selecting Visualizations for Different Data Types• 60 minutes
- Module 2 Visualization Activity• 10 minutes
- Module 2 Summary• 10 minutes
4 assignments• Total 165 minutes
- Understanding Qualitative Vs. Quantitative Data Quiz• 15 minutes
- Nominal, Ordinal, Interval, and Ratio Data Explained Quiz• 15 minutes
- Selecting Visualizations for Different Data Types Quiz• 15 minutes
- Module 2 Summative Assessment• 120 minutes
1 discussion prompt• Total 10 minutes
- Activity: Data Type Scavenger Hunt• 10 minutes
This module focuses on visualizing relationships, distributions, and patterns within datasets. You will learn how to use tools like scatter plots, histograms, and box plots to uncover trends, correlations, and outliers, as well as compare datasets effectively. These skills are essential for interpreting data and communicating insights with clarity and precision.
What's included
13 videos6 readings4 assignments
13 videos• Total 54 minutes
- Module 3 Introduction• 2 minutes
- Introduction to Bubble Charts• 3 minutes
- Introduction to Scatter Plots• 3 minutes
- Understanding the Relationships in Scatter Plots• 4 minutes
- Using Bubble Charts to Visualize Complex Relationships• 9 minutes
- Interpreting Histograms• 4 minutes
- Introduction to Box Plots• 4 minutes
- Introduction to Histograms• 4 minutes
- Using Box Plots for Comparative Analysis• 4 minutes
- Identifying and Interpreting Outliers• 4 minutes
- Identifying Trends in Data• 4 minutes
- Understanding Correlations in Data• 4 minutes
- Visual Comparisons - Side-by-Side Bar Charts and Line Charts• 4 minutes
6 readings• Total 210 minutes
- Module 3 Introduction• 10 minutes
- Scatter Plots and Bubble Charts for Relationships• 60 minutes
- Histograms and Box Plots for Distributions• 60 minutes
- Identifying Trends, Correlations, and Outliers in Data• 60 minutes
- Module 3 Visualization Activity• 10 minutes
- Module 3 Summary• 10 minutes
4 assignments• Total 165 minutes
- Scatter Plots and Bubble Charts for Relationships Quiz• 15 minutes
- Histograms and Box Plots for Distributions Quiz• 15 minutes
- Identifying Trends, Correlations, and Outliers in Data Quiz• 15 minutes
- Module 3 Summative Assessment• 120 minutes
In this module, students will explore the art of crafting compelling data-driven narratives. By combining design principles with storytelling techniques, they will learn how to structure data stories that engage and inform their audience. Key topics include the role of storytelling in visualization, creating visual hierarchies to guide viewers, and designing narratives using tools like data dashboards. This module emphasizes the importance of connecting data insights to meaningful messages.
What's included
13 videos5 readings4 assignments
13 videos• Total 55 minutes
- Module 4 Introduction• 3 minutes
- Case Studies - Effective Data Stories • 9 minutes
- Common Pitfalls in Data Storytelling • 4 minutes
- Key Components of Data Storytelling• 4 minutes
- Why Storytelling Matters in Data Visualization• 3 minutes
- Crafting a Narrative Structure• 4 minutes
- Identifying Key Messages and Insights• 4 minutes
- Maintaining Story Flow Across Visuals• 4 minutes
- Using Data Visuals to Support the Narrative• 4 minutes
- Avoiding Visual Overload• 5 minutes
- Size, Color, and Contrast in Visual Hierarchy• 4 minutes
- Using Layout and Composition of Hierarchy• 4 minutes
- What is Visual Hierarchy• 4 minutes
5 readings• Total 200 minutes
- The Role of Storytelling in Data Visualization• 60 minutes
- Designing a Data-Driven Nature• 60 minutes
- Creating a Visual Hierarchy to Guide Your Audience• 60 minutes
- Module 4 Visualization Activity• 10 minutes
- Module 4 Summary• 10 minutes
4 assignments• Total 165 minutes
- The Role of Storytelling in Data Visualization Quiz• 15 minutes
- Designing a Data-Driven Nature Quiz• 15 minutes
- Creating a Visual Hierarchy to Guide Your Audience Quiz• 15 minutes
- Module 4 Summative Assessment• 120 minutes
Explore advanced techniques for creating more dynamic and interactive visualizations to engage audiences and convey complex insights.
What's included
14 videos5 readings4 assignments
14 videos• Total 123 minutes
- Module 5 Introduction• 2 minutes
- Interactive Visualizations• 11 minutes
- Benefits of Interactivity in Data Visulaization• 6 minutes
- Design Principles for Interactive Dashboards• 13 minutes
- The Swiss Army Knife of Data• 11 minutes
- Getting Started - PowerBI and Tableau - Part 1• 9 minutes
- Getting Started - PowerBI and Tableau - Part 2• 5 minutes
- Introduction to the PowerBI Environment - Part 1• 10 minutes
- Introduction to the PowerBI Environment - Part 2• 6 minutes
- Building the Dashboard/Designing the Dashboard - Part 1• 12 minutes
- Building the Dashboard/Designing the Dashboard - Part 2• 13 minutes
- The Role of Animation in Data Visualization• 9 minutes
- Best Practices for Animated Visualizations• 8 minutes
- Exporting and Integrating Animated Visuals• 6 minutes
5 readings• Total 200 minutes
- Introduction to Interactive Visualizations and Dashboards• 60 minutes
- Creating Interactive Visuals with Free Tools (Tableau Public or Power BI)• 60 minutes
- Incorporating Animation into Visualizations to Enhance Engagement• 60 minutes
- Module 5 Visualization Activity• 10 minutes
- Module 5 Summary• 10 minutes
4 assignments• Total 165 minutes
- Introduction to Interactive Visualizations and Dashboards Quiz• 15 minutes
- Creating Interactive Visuals with Free Tools (Tableau Public or Power BI) Quiz• 15 minutes
- Incorporating Animation into Visualizations to Enhance Engagement Quiz• 15 minutes
- Module 5 Summative Assessment• 120 minutes
In this module, students will learn how to visualize geographical data using maps and geospatial tools to uncover insights and tell compelling location-based stories.
What's included
13 videos6 readings4 assignments
13 videos• Total 135 minutes
- Module 6 Introduction• 3 minutes
- What is Geospatial Data• 7 minutes
- Why Use Maps for Data Visualization• 6 minutes
- Common Use Cases for Geospatial Visualization• 7 minutes
- Key Concepts in Geospatial Visualization• 7 minutes
- Visualizing Regional Patterns• 19 minutes
- Heatmaps Visualizing Data Intensity• 12 minutes
- Scatter Maps Displaying Data Points Across Locations• 11 minutes
- Comparing Map Types for Specific Insights• 6 minutes
- Getting Started with QGIS• 18 minutes
- Importing and Managing Geospatial Data• 19 minutes
- Applying Styles and Layers to Maps• 9 minutes
- Exporting and Sharing Maps from QGIS• 9 minutes
6 readings• Total 210 minutes
- Module 6 Introduction• 10 minutes
- Introduction to Geospatial Data and Visualization• 60 minutes
- Using Choropleth Maps, Heatmaps, and Scatter Maps• 60 minutes
- Introduction to Free Tools Like QGIS for Geospatial Visualization • 60 minutes
- Module 6 Visualization Activity• 10 minutes
- Module 6 Summary• 10 minutes
4 assignments• Total 165 minutes
- Introduction to Geospatial Data and Visualization Quiz• 15 minutes
- Using Choropleth Maps, Heatmaps, and Scatter Maps Quiz• 15 minutes
- Introduction to Free Tools Like QGIS for Geospatial Visualization Quiz• 15 minutes
- Module 6 Summative Assessment• 120 minutes
This module emphasizes the importance of accessibility and ethical practices in data visualization. Students will learn how to create inclusive visualizations that accommodate diverse audiences and avoid misleading representations. Through practical lessons on accessible design, color schemes, and transparency, students will gain the tools to communicate data responsibly and effectively.
What's included
13 videos6 readings4 assignments
13 videos• Total 97 minutes
- Module 7 Introduction• 3 minutes
- Best Practices for Designing Accessible Visualizations• 6 minutes
- Designing for Screen Readers• 8 minutes
- Accessible Legends Labels and Font Choices• 7 minutes
- Interactive Accessible Features• 9 minutes
- Introduction to Color Choices• 8 minutes
- Using Contrast and White Space Effectively• 8 minutes
- Best Practices for Layouts and Chart Design• 7 minutes
- Testing for Accesssibility• 7 minutes
- Common Pitfalls in Misleading Visualizations• 8 minutes
- Transparency in Data Storytelling• 11 minutes
- Ethical Considerations in Visualizing Sensitive Data• 8 minutes
- Applying Principles from Data Feminism• 7 minutes
6 readings• Total 210 minutes
- Module 7 Introduction Reading• 10 minutes
- Best Practices for Designing Accessible Visualizations• 60 minutes
- Choosing Accessible Color Schemes and Layouts• 60 minutes
- Avoiding Misleading Visualizations and Ethical Storytelling• 60 minutes
- Module 7 Visualization Activity• 10 minutes
- Module 7 Summary• 10 minutes
4 assignments• Total 165 minutes
- Best Practices for Designing Accessible Visualizations Quiz• 15 minutes
- Choosing Accessible Color Schemes and Layouts Quiz• 15 minutes
- Avoiding Misleading Visualizations and Ethical Storytelling Quiz• 15 minutes
- Module 7 Summative Assessment• 120 minutes
This final module brings together all the concepts explored throughout the course. Students will apply their knowledge by developing a comprehensive data story that combines multiple visualization techniques. Through this project, learners will demonstrate their ability to structure narratives and communicate insights effectively for a specific audience using real-world data.
What's included
13 videos4 readings4 assignments
13 videos• Total 88 minutes
- Module 8 Introduction• 3 minutes
- The Key Steps of a Data Story• 11 minutes
- Identifying Key Insights and Messages• 8 minutes
- Balancing Data and Narrative Flow• 8 minutes
- Planning and Outlining Your Final Project• 6 minutes
- Using Visualizations Effectively• 5 minutes
- Integrating Geospatial Visualizations• 5 minutes
- Interactivity• 6 minutes
- Creating Balance in Data Storytelling• 8 minutes
- Identifying your Audience and Their Needs• 7 minutes
- Tailoring for Impact• 5 minutes
- Keeping it Clear and Focused• 5 minutes
- Review and Refine• 11 minutes
4 readings• Total 190 minutes
- Reviewing the Steps of Crafting a Data Narrative • 60 minutes
- Combining Multiple Visualization Techniques• 60 minutes
- Structuring a Comprehensive Data Story for a Specific Audience• 60 minutes
- Module 8 Summary• 10 minutes
4 assignments• Total 165 minutes
- Reviewing the Steps of Crafting a Data Narrative Quiz• 15 minutes
- Combining Multiple Visualization Techniques Quiz• 15 minutes
- Structuring a Comprehensive Data Story for a Specific Audience Quiz• 15 minutes
- Module 8 Summative Assessment• 120 minutes
This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course.
What's included
1 assignment
1 assignment• Total 180 minutes
- Summative Course Assessment• 180 minutes
Instructor

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Illinois Tech is a top-tier, nationally ranked, private research university with programs in engineering, computer science, architecture, design, science, business, human sciences, and law. The university offers bachelor of science, master of science, professional master’s, and Ph.D. degrees—as well as certificates for in-demand STEM fields and other areas of innovation. Talented students from around the world choose to study at Illinois Tech because of the access to real-world opportunities, renowned academic programs, high value, and career prospects of graduates.
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