Data Visualisation
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 46 Hours
Prerequisites
COS10009 Introduction to ProgrammingAims and objectives
This unit aims to instruct students on the fundamental principles of information visualisation, and good design practices. It will examine and describe in detail main types of information graphics and visual representations for variety of applications.
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate data visualisations and propose improvements based on an understanding of human perception and cognition and data visualisation design principles.2. Apply a structured design process to create effective visualisations.
3. Conceptualise and iterate data visualisation designs using sketching and low fidelity prototyping techniques.
4. Create web-based interactive data visualisations using a real-world data set.
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
Lectures (24 hours), (Computer Labs) (22 hours)
This is a blended learning unit so students are expected to utilise Blackboard resources, work in groups and interact during lectures.
Assessment
| Tasks and Details | Individual or Group | Weighting | Unit Learning Outcomes that this assessment task relates to |
| 1. Laboratory Exercises | Individual | 10% | 2, 4 |
| 2. Assignment: Design Critique | Individual | 15% | 1 |
| 2. Project | Individual | 35% | 1, 2, 3, 4 |
| 3. Examination | Individual | 40% | 1, 2, 3 |
General skills outcomes
■ Communication skills
■ Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
■ Ability to work independently
Content
Brief history of data visualisation
Data visualisation design guidelines, graphical integrity
Visual variables: marks and channels
Visualisation critique
Analysis of user tasks in visualisation usage
Data sets and types
Interaction: Manipulating view, Filtering
Arranging Tables, Graphs and Maps
Colour theory
Human perception and cognition
Introduction to Data Driven Documents (D3)
Study resources
- Reading materials.
Reading materials
Munzner, T. (2014) Visualization Analysis and Design. CRC Press
Murray, S. (2013) Interactive Data Visualization for the Web. O’Reilly