About This Specialization In 2020 the world will generate 50 times the amount of data as in 2011. And 75 times the number of information sources (IDC, 2011). Being able to use this data provides huge opportunities and to turn these opportunities into reality, people need to use data to solve problem This Specialization, in collaboration with Tableau, is intended for newcomers to data visualization with no prior experience using Tableau. We leverage Tableau's library of resources to demonstrate best practices for data visualization and data storytelling. You will view examples from real world business cases and journalistic examples from leading media companies. By the end of this specialization, you will be able to generate powerful reports and dashboards that will help people make decisions and take action based on their business data. You will use Tableau to create high-impact visualizations of common data analyses to help you see and understand your data. You will apply predicative analytics to improve business decision making. The Specialization culminates in a Capstone Project in which you will use sample data to create visualizations, dashboards, and data models to prepare a presentation to the executive leadership of a fictional company. 5 courses Follow the suggested order or choose your own Projects Follow the suggested order or choose your own Certificates Follow the suggested order or choose your own
4 weeks of study, 3-5 hours/week English, Portuguese (Brazilian) About the Course n this first course of the specialization, you will discover just what data visualization is, and how we can use it to better see and understand data. Using Tableau, we ll examine the fundamental concepts of data visualization and explore the Tableau interface, identifying and applying the various tools Tableau has to offer. By the end of the course you will be able to prepare and import data into Tableau and explain the relationship between data analytics and data visualization. This course is designed for the learner who has never used Tableau before, or who may need a refresher or want to explore Tableau in more depth. No prior technical or analytical background is required. The course will guide you through the steps necessary to create your first visualization story from the beginning based on data context, setting the stage for you to advance to the next course in the Specialization.
Week 1 Getting Started & Introduction to Data Visualization Welcome to this first module, where you will begin to discover the power of data visualization. You will define the meaning and purpose of data visualization and explore the various types of data visualization tools, beyond Tableau. You will install Tableau on your own device and create your first visualization. Video Course Introduction and Specialization Video Introduction to Data Visualization Reading Introduction to Data Visualization Video What is Data Visualization and Why Do We Do It? Other Data Visualization Challenges Video Tools for Data Visualization Other Visualization Tools Other Python and R Video Installing Tableau Other Installing Tableau Video Creating Your First Visualization Other Creating Your First Visualization (Activity) Quiz Introduction to Data Visualization Reading Interview with Dr. Ben Shneiderman (30 mins) Other Dr. Shneiderman's Key Elements
Week 2 Exploring and Navigating Tableau With the last module, you were able to create your first visualization through guided practice. The secret to doing visualizations is really knowing the tool you will be using. For this module, you will explore and navigate the Tableau interface and be able to use specific tools as you begin your visualization journey. Video Exploring and Navigating Tableau Overview Video Importing Visualizations Other Downloading a Visualization Video Navigating the Tableau Public's Software - Part 1 Video Navigating the Tableau Public's Software - Part 2 Video Navigating the Tableau Public's Software - Part 3 Other Navigating Tableau Reading Additional Readings Quiz Exploring and Navigating Tableau
Week 3 Making Data Connections Creating visualizations require data and in this module, you will discuss the various data sources for visualization and specifically what can be used in Tableau. You will prepare your data and identify the types of data connections possible with Tableau. You will be able to connect and merge to multiple data sources which can help make your visualizations more powerful. Video Making Data Connections Overview Video Preparing Your Data For Import Video Primary Types of Connections Video Connecting and Merging Multiple Data Sources Other Tableau Public Sample Data Sets Other Tips to Connecting to Data Reading TDE or Live? When to Use Tableau Data Extracts (or not) Reading Tableau - Extract Your Data Peer Review Connecting to Multiple Data Sources Quiz Making Data Connections
Week 4 Context of Data Visualization & Course Wrap-Up Data visualization is about telling a story using data. However, before you can be successful at data visualization, you must understand the "who", "what", and "how" of data context. In this final module, you will be able to determine who your audience will be and what your relationship to them is. You will analyze a real world application of data context and be able to write out a visualization story based on data context. Video Context of Data Visualization Overview Video The "Who, What, and How" of Data Visualization Reading Resonate - Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences Video Illustration of the "Who, What, and How" Other Visualization of the Day Exercise Video Context of Data Visualization Other Context of Data Visualization (Activity) Peer Review Storyboarding Your Visualization Quiz Context of Data Visualization Video Course Wrap-Up Other Course Reflection
About the Course English In this course, you will analyze and apply essential design principles to your Tableau visualizations. This course assumes you understand the tools within Tableau and have some knowledge of the fundamental concepts of data visualization. You will define and examine the similarities and differences of exploratory and explanatory analysis as well as begin to ask the right questions about what s needed in a visualization. You will assess how data and design work together, including how to choose the appropriate visual representation for your data, and the difference between effective and ineffective visuals. You will apply effective best practice design principles to your data visualizations and be able to illustrate examples of strategic use of contrast to highlight important elements. You will evaluate pre-attentive attributes and why they are important in visualizations. You will exam the importance of using the "right" amount of color and in the right place and be able to apply design principles to de-clutter your data visualization.
Week 1 Getting Started in Effective and Ineffective Visuals Welcome to this first module where we are going to start you off with background information about how the human brain perceives the world and then you will discover effective and ineffective visuals. By the end of this module, you will be able to recognize how the brain relates to visual design. You will know the difference between cognitive versus perceptual design. You will learn the various visualization options offered by Tableau and some of their advantages and disadvantages. You will discuss why how good ethical practices play in designing visualizations. You will also start to examine ineffective visualizations and learn how to improve them. Video Course Introduction Video The Human Brain and Data Visualization Video Cognitive vs Perceptual Design Distinction Reading Tableau Desktop vs. Tableau Public Other Getting Your Tableau Desktop License Video Introduction of Effective and Ineffective Visuals Video Types of Visualizations Other Pros and Cons of Pie Charts Video Examples of the Types of Visualizations in Tableau Video Practicing Good Ethics in Data Visualization Video Ineffective Visuals and How to Improve Them Other Ineffective Visuals (Activity) Quiz Module 1 Quiz
Week 2 Visual Perception and Cognitive Load Welcome to this second module. This module will explore specific data visualization concepts that apply the concepts you learned about how the human brain works from the last module. In this module, you will be able to define cognitive load and what clutter means from a visualization perspective. You will be able to visually illustrate the principles of visual perception and use contrast to enhance your visualizations. You will be able to define and use pre-attentive attributes like color to make effective visualizations. Video Visual Perception and Cognitive Principles Introduction Video Cognitive Load and Clutter Other Clutter and Clarity Video Principles of Visual Perception Other Gestalt Principle (Activity) Video Strategic Use of Contrast Video Pre-Attentive Attributes of Visualizations Video Color as a Pre-Attentive Attribute Video De-Cluttering Exercise Other Decluttering a Visual (Activity) Quiz Module 2 Quiz
Week 3 Design Best Practices and Exploratory Analysis In this module, we revisit some of the concepts introduced from the previous module. You will be able to apply Gestalt Principles and leverage pre-attentive attributes in your visualizations. You will examine the role of accessibility and aesthetics play in your creations. Also, you will be able to define the ideas of exploratory and explanatory analysis and be able to normalize your data and identify outliers. Finally, you will be introduced to a challenging concept and construct a control chart to set you up to perform more advanced exploratory analysis. Video Design Best Practices Introduction Video Gestalt Principle: Proximity Video Leveraging Pre-Attentive Attributes Video Accessible Visualizations Reading Missed Opportunities and Graphical Fails Video Aesthetics Reading The Challenger: An Information Disaster Video Design and Exploratory Analysis Introduction Video What is Exploratory and Explanatory Analysis? Video Case Study: Anscombe's Quartet Video Identifying Outliers Other Explanation of Outliers Video Constructing a Control Chart Other Control Charts Quiz Module 3 Quiz
Week 4 Design for Understanding Making sense of large, multi-dimensional data sets can be a challenge for anyone. Your task as a designer is to make good decisions about encoding, arranging, and presenting data to reveal meaningful patterns and stories for your audiences. After completing this module, you will be able to design your visualizations for a target audience and with purpose. You will be able to identify the connection to between data, relationships and good visual design. You will implement additional design tools and tips into your visualizations.. Video Design For Understanding Introduction Video Know Your Audience(s) Video Design For Purpose Video Data, Relationships, and Design Video Static Versus Interactive Visualizations Video Multiple, Connected View Video Language, Labeling, and Scales Video Visual Lies and Cognitive Bias Reading Blogs and Articles About Data Visualization Reading Selected Books About Data Visualization, Data Analysis, and Perception/Cognition Peer Review Designing a Visualization for Your Manager Quiz Module 4 Quiz Video Final Thoughts Other Reflection
4 weeks of study, 5-7 hours/week English About the Course In this third course of the specialization, we ll drill deeper into the tools Tableau offers in the areas of charting, dates, table calculations and mapping. We ll explore the best choices for charts, based on the type of data you are using. We ll look at specific types of charts including scatter plots, Gantt charts, histograms, bullet charts and several others, and we ll address charting guidelines. We ll define discrete and continuous dates, and examine when to use each one to explain your data. You ll learn how to create custom and quick table calculations and how to create parameters. We ll also introduce mapping and explore how Tableau can use different types of geographic data, how to connect to multiple data sources and how to create custom maps.
Week 1 Getting Started and Charting In this module, you will explore the topic of charting in Tableau. By now you should already be well versed in how to change colors, shapes, and sizes of charts, so we are going to practice and demonstrate that skill more. You will be able to explain what the Tableau Tooltip does and when to use it. You will be able to discuss the various guidelines for choosing the right chart for your data. You will also create a chart using Tableau.. Video Visual Analytics with Tableau Introduction Reading Save Workbooks to Tableau Public Video Introduction to Charting Video Tableau Charts Video Colors, Shapes, and Sizes Video Dual Line Charts Video Tableau Tooltip Video Charting Guidelines: Bar Charts, Line Graphs, Pie Charts Video Charting Guidelines: Maps, Scatter Plots, Gantt Charts, Bubble Charts Video Charting Guidelines: Histograms, Bullet Charts, Heat Maps and Highlight Tables Video Charting Guidelines: Treemaps and Box-and-Whisker Plots Peer Review Customer Scatterplot Quiz Module 1: Visual Analytics with Tableau - Charting
Week 2 Dates This module highlights the important topic of dates within Tableau. You will be able to differentiate between discrete and continuous dates and when to use each. You will be able to use date hierarchies and use the date field to better customize your charts. You will be able to convert between discrete and continuous dates and know when and why you want to switch from one to the other. You will create dates using calculated fields. Video Introduction to Dates Video Discrete vs. Continuous Dates Video Date Hierarchies Video Converting Discrete and Continuous Dates Video Tableau Calculated Fields Peer Review Shipping Details Quiz Module 2: Visual Analytics with Tableau - Dates
Week 3 Table Calculations In this module, you will focus on table calculations. You will be able to create new calculated fields to allow you to compare fields, apply aggregations, and more. You will be able use quick table calculations and create new calculated fields. You will be able to customize them and apply filters and parameters to your table calculations. Video Introduction to Table Calculations. Video Calculated Fields Video Quick Table Calculations Video Custom Table Calculations Video Filters Video Parameters Peer Review Sales Spotlight Quiz Module 3: Visual Analytics with Tableau - Table Calculations
Week 4 Mapping In this final module, we will go more in depths about maps within Tableau. You will be able to connect to a different data sources and customize your maps by changing colors, shapes, and sizes. You will be able to custom geocode a map and create Tableau maps with geographic data that is not recognized by Tableau. You will also be able to create dual layer maps and showcase how to overlay maps on top of one another. Video Introduction to Mapping. Video Working with Geographic Data Video Shapes, Colors, and Sizes Video Custom Mapping Techniques Video Custom Geocoding Video Dual Layer Mapping Peer Review Dual Layer Maps Quiz Module 4: Visual Analytics with Tableau - Mapping Video Course Summary Other Course Reflection
4 weeks of study, 5-7 hours/week English About the Course Leveraging the visualizations you created in the previous course, Visual Analytics with Tableau, you will create dashboards that help you identify the story within your data, and you will discover how to use Storypoints to create a powerful story to leave a lasting impression with your audience. You will balance the goals of your stakeholders with the needs of your end-users, and be able to structure and organize your story for maximum impact. Throughout the course you will apply more advanced functions within Tableau, such as hierarchies, actions and parameters to guide user interactions. For your final project, you will create a compelling narrative to be delivered in a meeting, as a static report, or in an interactive display online.
Week 1 Planning and Preproduction: Aligning your Audience, Stakeholders, and Data Welcome to the first module of this course! In the following modules, you will learn and work with concepts, tips, and techniques to help you explore data, identify meaningful findings, and then explain them through the power of data visualization and storytelling. In this module, you will be able to determine the who, what, why, and how of the story and discover the importance of planning before you start. You will be able to interview your stakeholders and assess your audience to find the right story in the data. By the end of this module, you will be able to define what a story is and build a basic framework for presenting your story. Let's get started! Video Course Introduction Reading Additional Readings Video What is a Story? Other The Who, What, Why, and How Reading Save Workbooks to Tableau Public Reading Project Brief Video Introduction to Planning and Preproduction for Visualizations Reading Sylvia and Terrence Personas Video A Design Checklist of the Who, What, Why, and How Video Start with Your Stakeholders Video Addressing Your Audience and Their Context Video Finding the Story Video Prioritizing, Optimizing, and Designing the Data Story Reading Journalistic Data Stories Video Case Study - "The Tale of 100 Entrepreneurs" (Part 1) Video Case Study - "The Tale of 100 Entrepreneurs" (Part 2) Video Case Study - "The Tale of 100 Entrepreneurs" (Part 3) Reading Sample - SuperStore Dataset Practice Peer Review Part 1: Create a Design Checklist Quiz Module 1
Week 2 Key Metrics, Indicators, and Decision Triggers Welcome to Module 2. In this module, you will identify the key metrics that will provide the answers to your business question. You will develop an understanding of the types of ways KPIs can be visualized. You will create calculated fields for KPIs to build a figure that will be used to measure progress in the data. By the end of this module, you should be able to set thresholds and create alerts to trigger a decision. We will also discuss the topic of quality and constraints of the data.. Video Introduction to Key Metrics, Indicators, and Decision Triggers Video Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Video Tableau Calculated Fields and KPIs Video Creating Complex KPIs Using Tableau Video Thresholds and Alerts Video Data Quality Other Part 2: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Quiz Module 2 Quiz)
Week 3 Dashboard and Storytelling with Data Welcome to Module 3. In this module, you will go from learning Tableau's six best practices for dashboard design. By the end of this module, you should be able to apply hierarchies, actions, filters, and parameters within Tableau. You will also review five videos associated with the topic and discover how to uncover the story in the data and be able to frame your story. Reading Pre-Reading: Tableau Whitepaper Video Best Practices for Dashboard Design Video Dashboard Design Principles 1, 2, & 3 Video Dashboard Design Principles 4, 5, & 6 Video Hierarchies, Actions, Filters, and Parameters (Parts 1 & 2) Video Hierarchies, Actions, Filters, and Parameters (Part 3) Video Hierarchies, Actions, Filters, and Parameters (Part 4) Video Important Considerations for Creating Dashboards Reading Recommended Readings Peer Review Creating a Dashboard Other Part 3: Narrative Arc & the 3C's Quiz Module 3)
Week 4 Tell the Story of Your Data Welcome to Module 4. Although this course focuses on Tableau, we will look at a wider range of examples and techniques to help you become a better data storyteller. By the end of this module, you should be able to leverage concepts and techniques designed to help you become a more focused and compelling storyteller with data as the foundation. We will discuss ways to avoid unintentionally creating false narratives with good data. You will also learn about what neuroscience research tells us about stories, audience engagement, and decision drivers. You will use structural story elements to help improve the relatability of the story and explore ways design and textual elements can affect the emotional tone of a story. Lastly, you will learn how to frame and format the data story based on your design checklist. Let's get started! Reading Pre-Reading: Tableau Whitepaper and Training Video Video Tell the Story of Your Data Introduction Video The Art of Storytelling (Past, Present, and Future) Video Storytelling and the Human Brain Video Bringing Data to Life: Emotions and Data Storytelling Reading Examples of Emotions in Data Storytelling Video Emotion Modulators: Color, Language, and Other Design Elements Video Framing and Format Video Framing, Conventions, and Priming Video False Narratives and Data Storytelling Video Telling the Stories within the Story (Part 1) Video Telling the Stories within the Story (Part 2) Video Story Considerations Video Preparation of the Story Points Video Setting Up the Story Video Creating Points in the Story Video Interactive Story Video Create a Data Story in a Static Presentation Reading Additional Readings Peer Review Part 4: Story Points Presentation Other Single-Frame Visualization (Optional Activity) Quiz Module 4 Video Course Summary Other Course Reflection
6 weeks of study, 3-8 hours/week, the week will vary. English About the Course In this project-based course, you will follow your own interests to create a portfolio worthy single-frame viz or multi-frame data story that will be shared on Tableau Public. You will use all the skills taught in this Specialization to complete this project step-by-step, with guidance from your instructors along the way. You will first create a project proposal to identify your goals for the project, including the question you wish to answer or explore with data. You will then find data that will provide the information you are seeking. You will then import that data into Tableau and prepare it for analysis. Next you will create a dashboard that will allow you to explore the data in depth and identify meaningful insights. You will then give structure to your data story by writing the story arc in narrative form. Finally, you will consult your design checklist to craft the final viz or data story in Tableau. This is your opportunity to show the world what you re capable of - so think big, and have confidence in your skills!
Week 1 Getting Started and Milestone 1: Develop a Project Proposal In this first milestone, you will write a project proposal that will capture the who, what, why and how of your project plus any challenges that you foresee along the way. Your proposal will include: a specific business case or personal objective, any intended outcomes, a description of the needs of the intended audience, a description of the dataset to be used, and any foreseeable challenges. Video Project Welcome Reading Save Workbooks to Tableau Public Reading Need Another Tableau License? Other Your Learning Goals Video Milestone 1 Assignment Overview Peer Review Developing a Project Proposal Other Questions For Your Peers Reading Design Checklist Template Reading Sample Design Checklist Reading Resources on the Who, What, Why, and How Reading Resources on Audience Reading Examples of Single Frame Visualizations Reading Examples of Multi-Frame Data Stories
Week 2 Milestone 2: Importing and Prepping the Data In milestone two, you will acquire the dataset that supports your project proposal, import it into Tableau, and prepare the data for analysis. Video Milestone 2 Assignment Overview Peer Review Data Import and Preparation Other Questions For Your Peers Reading Preparing Your Data for Import Reading Primary Types of Connections Reading Connecting and Merging Multiple Data Sources
Week 3 Milestone 3: Exploratory Analysis In this milestone, you will use the skills that you have learned in the specialization to perform exploratory analysis of your data. You will identify key metrics in the data and create KPIs, and you will use those KPIs to create dashboards that allow for comparative views and brushing and linking. This will allow us to begin to think about the proper context of developing an explanatory analysis that will form the basis for the remaining milestones. Be sure your visualizations demonstrate the visual and cognitive design principles learned throughout the Specialization, and make use of advanced features like hierarchies, actions, filters and parameters. Video Milestone 3 Assignment Overview Other Questions For Your Peers Reading What is Exploratory and Explanatory Analysis? Reading Case Study: Anscombe s Quartet Reading Identifying Outliers Reading Constructing a Control Chart Reading Tableau Whitepaper Reading Conducting Visual Analytics
Week 4 Milestone 3: Exploratory Analysis and Dashboard Submission In this module, you will continue to work through Milestone 3, your exploratory analysis and dashboard creation as outlined in the third week. You will then submit your deliverables for peer review. Peer Review Exploratory Analysis and Dashboards Other Questions For Your Peers Reading Key Metrics, Indicators, Decision Triggers Reading Dashboard and Storytelling with Data
Week 5 Milestone 4: Storytelling and Storyboarding In this milestone, you will take a short but essential break from the data visualization software and begin to give structure to your data stories. You will define the basic story arc of your data story, or draft a narrative description of what your data visualization communicates. You have started that process in the previous milestones, but now we will start assembling our story using Story Points. Video Milestone 4 Assignment Overview Peer Review Storyboarding and Storytelling Other Questions For Your Peers Reading Finding the Story Reading Prioritizing, Optimizing and Designing the Data Story Reading Tell the Story of Your Data
Week 6 Milestone 5: Final Presentation In this final milestone, you will apply design elements from our design checklist. You have met the goals of the stakeholder s and will complete your design to meet the needs of the audience. You will apply the cognitive and visual design concepts learned throughout this Specialization and create a visualization or data story that leaves a lasting impression with your audience. Video Milestone 5 Assignment Overview Peer Review Final Presentation Other Questions For Your Peers Video Project Summary Other Reflections