The document is a course outline for TDWI's Data Visualization Principles and Practices, covering essential concepts such as visualization methods, components, and design standards. It includes modules on data visualization techniques, business intelligence integration, and the use of storytelling in data. Additionally, it discusses tools and best practices for effective visualization.

1. TDWI Data Visualization Principles and Practices
Course Outline
© TDWI 1
Module 1 - Data Visualization Concepts
 Data Visualization Today
o Data Visualization Roles
o Data Visualization Uses
o Communicating with Visuals
o Visualization and Stories
 Data and Visualization
o Finding the Right Data
o Data Content
o Categorical and Aggregate Data
 Data Visualization Components
o The Parts of Data Visuals
 Visual Cues
o Placement
o Lines
o Shapes
o Color
o Human Perception
 Coordinate Systems
o Cartesian Coordinates
o Polar Coordinates
o Geographic Coordinates
 Measurement Scales
o Linear and Logarithmic Scales
o Ratio and Interval Scales
o Ordinal and Nominal Scales
o Percent Scales
o Time Scales
 Visual Context
o Explicit and Implicit Context
Module 2 - Fundamentals of Visualization
 Data Visualization Methods
o How We Visualize
o Tables
o Plots
o Maps
o Infographics
o Specialty Graphs
 Data Visualization Standards
o Good Design
o Chart Anatomy
o Chart Junk

2. TDWI Data Visualization Principles and Practices Course Outline
© TDWI 2
o Color
o Size and Scale
o Integrity
o Two-Dimensional Versus Three-Dimensional
o Data-Ink Ratio
o Data Richness
o Encoding and Cues
o Legibility
 Visualization with Purpose
o What Do You Want to Show?
o Comparisons
o Proportions
o Relationships
o Patterns
 Data Visualization Development
o Purpose
o Message
o People
o Data Properties
o Questions and Iteration
o Visual Method Choice
o Test
Module 3 – Data Visualization Techniques
 Visualization Techniques
o What We Visualize
 Visualizing Comparisons
o Comparison Data
o Dimensions
o Outliers
o Visual Data Methods for Comparison
o Examples
 Visualizing Proportions
o Proportion Data
o Parts to a Whole
o Proportions over Time
o Visual Methods for Proportions
o Examples
 Visualizing Relationships
o Relationship Data
o Correlation
o Distribution
o Spatial Relationships
o Visual Methods for Relationships
o Examples
 Visualizing Patterns
o Pattern Data

3. TDWI Data Visualization Principles and Practices Course Outline
© TDWI 3
o Points in Time
o Continuous Data
o Visual Methods for Patterns
o Examples
Module 4 - Visualization and Business Intelligence
 Visualization and BI
o Supporting BI
 Analytics
o From Exploration to Models
o From Questions to Answers
 Visual Reporting
o Dashboards, Scorecards, and Reports
o Promoting Interaction
o Animation
 Infographics
o Visual Design plus Graphic Design
o Simple Graphs Versus Infographics
o Design
o Team and Process
 Data Storytelling
o Statistics Versus Stories
o Visual with Narrative
Module 5 - Tools and Resources
 Data Visualization Tools
o A Technology Overview
 Best Practices in Visualization
o Advice from the Master