In today's data-driven world, the ability to transform raw data into compelling visualizations is a crucial skill for uncovering profound insights. This course will guide you through the essentials of creating impactful data visualizations, enabling your data to tell its own story.

As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words." In today's fast-paced world, capturing and maintaining audience attention is vital. Whether communicating with funders, the public, or service users, NGO staff face the challenge of presenting social needs and project impacts clearly, simply, and compellingly. Data visualization can transform complex data and information into accessible, engaging, and easy-to-understand visuals. These visuals can effectively persuade and facilitate clear understanding of critical issues among various stakeholders.

This hands-on workshop will equip participants with essential skills to create impactful data visualizations that capture attention and simplify understanding. There will be opportunities to practise creating visualization in class and learn how to tailor messages for effective storytelling through visualization. 

• Understand the principles of effective data visualization
• Identify different types of data visualizations and their appropriate use cases
• Utilize tools and software to create impactful visualizations
• Apply best practices to design clear and compelling visualizations
• Interpret and communicate data insights effectively through visualizations

1. Why Data Visualization Matters

• Introduction to the importance of starting with “Why”
• Formulating precise questions. Identifying relevant data source

2. Principles of Effective Data Visualization

• Clarity, simplicity, accuracy
• Visual perception and cognitive load

3. Types of Data Visualizations

• Charts (bar, line, pie, scatter plots)
• Advanced visualizations (heatmaps, treemaps, network diagrams)
• Choosing the right visualization for your data

4. Creating Basic Visualizations

• Guided practice using a selected tool

5. Best Practices for Design and Presentation

• Color theory and use of space
• Labeling and annotations
• Avoiding common pitfalls

6. Advanced Visualization Techniques

• Interactive dashboards
• Storytelling with data
• Incorporating interactivity and user feedback

7. Interpreting and Communicating Insights

• Techniques for presenting data to different audience
• Tailoring your message for impact