Civic Data Education Series
  • Civic Data Education Series
    • About
    • License
    • Instructor Guide
    • Feedback
  • Segment 1: Introducing Civic Data
    • Module 1.1: Introduction to Open Civic Data
    • Module 1.2: The Lifecycle of Open Civic Data
    • Module 1.3: A Critical Approach to Open Civic Data
  • Segment 2: Understanding Civic Data Ecosystems
    • Module 2.1: Identifying Civic Data Intermediaries
    • Module 2.2: Introduction to Civic Data Ecosystems
      • Module 2.2 Activities
    • Module 2.3: Assessing the Civic Data Needs of Communities
  • Segment 3: Preparing Libraries for Sharing their Data
    • Module 3.1: Selecting and Sharing Open Data
      • Module 3.1 Activities
    • Module 3.2: Protecting Privacy
    • Module 3.3: Metadata for Open Civic Data
    • Module 3.4: Data Documentation for Open Civic Data
      • Modules 3.3 & 3.4 Activities
    • Module 3.5: File Formats for Open Civic Data
  • Segment 4: Community Engagement through Civic Data
    • Module 4.1: Defining Data Visualization
    • Module 4.2: Telling Stories with Data
    • Module 4.3: Outreach on Open Civic Data
  • Segment 5: Using Civic Data
    • Module 5.1: Asking Data Driven Questions
    • Module 5.2: Answering Data Driven Questions Computationally
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  • Instructional Materials
  • Video
  • Script and Slide Deck
  • Activity
  • Resources
  1. Segment 4: Community Engagement through Civic Data

Module 4.1: Defining Data Visualization

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Last updated 2 years ago

Introduction

In this module, we define data visualization, think through the value in visualizing data and the power that comes with that.

With this module, we connect you to an introduction to data visualization module created by the Project Team. This IMLS-funded project developed a literacy-based instructional and research agenda for library and information professionals with the aim to create a community of praxis focused on data visualization.

Guiding Questions

  • What is data visualization?

  • When is the appropriate time to visualize data?

  • How does the audience type impact our choices in designing data visualization?

Vignette

The librarian is preparing an annual report on library computer and WiFi use. She is responsible for creating visualizations from these library datasets, but is uncertain about what type of visualization would be best for the data and for the community. After considering different approaches to data visualization through a critical, contextual lens, the librarian designs the ideal visualization for the data.

Instructional Materials

Video

Video Files

Script and Slide Deck

Script and Slide Deck Files

Activity

Overview: The most effective visualizations are built based on a strong definition of the target audience. This activity tears down an existing visualization and lets participants remix it for a different audience. This increases understanding of the interests of various audiences. The activity emphasizes that you need to target information differently for different audiences. Participants get to practice crafting a compelling message, and gain experience presenting data in a variety of forms.

This activity should be done in a group.

Supplies:

  • An example visualization

  • Big paper or white boards

  • Markers or crayons

  • Tape, if working on big paper

Time: 45 minutes

Activity:

Step 1: Exploring an example visualization (10 minutes)

The facilitator should begin by introducing an example visualization to the group. As a group, talk through the data represented, the audience that the visualization targets, and the visualization’s goals.

Step 2: Brainstorm other audiences for data visualization (10 minutes)

Visualizations are created with an audience and purpose in mind. What are other audiences to reach through a visualization of the same dataset?

As a group, make a list of potential audiences, such as:

  • educators

  • University students

  • voters

  • people who disagree with the perspective in original visualization

  • folks who agree, but need motivation to care

  • policy makers

  • people within the system the data is about

Step 3: Remix the visualization (20-30 minutes)

Split into groups of three, with each group assigned an audience. With large paper or a white board, rework the original visualization with the assigned audience in mind. Write down the audience on your paper or white board.

“Think aloud” as a group about your design decisions and the audience-tailored framing. For example:

  • Will you carry over any of the design elements of the original visualization?

  • Use text or color differently?

Step 4: Gallery Walk and Share-out (10 minutes)

If working on large paper, hang up the visualizations. Participants can spend time touring the visualizations, observing the differences and similarities among the visualizations.

Reconvene for discussion. Share the design decisions participants made based on your understanding and assumptions about each audience.

Resources

This activity is adapted from the MIT Center for Civic Media’s Data Therapy project. The original activity is available on the Data Therapy .

The facilitator should bring a visualization that participants will remix. The Visualizing the Future project team is building a and, of course, there are daily examples in news outlets!

Use a different type of visualization? There are many data visualization types and, depending on the purpose of your visualization, one type may be a better choice than another. For this exercise, you don’t need to be an expert on data visualization types, but your team can begin to explore them using resources like: the , and the .

blog
repository of visualization examples
The Data Viz Project,
Data Visualisation Catalogue
Tableau Chart Catalog
Visualizing the Future
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Module 4.1 Slides: Defining Data Visualization PowerPoint File
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The Visualizing the Future project team has created a series of 10 modules on data visualization. On their YouTube channel, access recorded lessons on Types of data visualizations; Approaching visualizations with a critical eye; Preparing and understanding data; and more. This set of lessons will provide a valuable foundation to data visualization and are an important complement to the Civic Data Education Series. Citation: Visualizing the Future Project, Data Visualization 101 modules, last updated November 1, 2021. Accessed August 14, 2022,
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNSGxw-xV6Nd88myphRROrYhodrU3m8Hd
Module 4.1 Captioned Video: Defining Data Visualization
Data Visualization 101 modulesData Visualization 101
The Visualizing the Future repository contains teaching and learning materials that complement the modules on data visualization. The repository includes slides, several activities, and delivery guidance for a facilitator. These materials are licensed to allow for adaptation, remixing and sharing. Citation: Visualizing the Future Project Project, Repository: Data Visualization 101 modules. Accessed August 14, 2022,
https://visualizingthefuture.github.io/data-viz-101/
Logo3. On Rational, Scientific, Objective Viewpoints from Mythical, Imaginary, Impossible Standpoints · Data FeminismData Feminism
In this chapter of Data Feminism, Catherine D'Ignazio and Lauren F. Klein challenge the neutrality of data visualizations and argue that by removing emotion from data science results, the dominant -- or cisgender and white male -- positionality. The authors present instructive discussion of perspective in visualizations. Citation: D’Ignazio, Catherine and Lauren F. Klein. "On Rational, Scientific, Objective Viewpoints from Mythical, Imaginary, Impossible Standpoints." In Data Feminism. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2020.