A picture is worth a thousand words! As datasets become larger and more complex, it is critical to effectively and efficiently communicate their key features through visualisation tools. These visualisation tools must be easily understandable by end-users of varying levels of sophistication and languages. How should we design effective visualisation tools? What are the differences between various visual aids? How can we actually create the visual aids of interest? These are some of the questions that this module explores.
The course introduces the principles and techniques of data visualisation. It starts with a detailed discussion of important visualisation principles. It then introduces the students to Tableau, a data visualisation software that is very popular in the industry. Next, the module focuses on the visualisation of datasets across time and the design of maps. Building on this knowledge, the module focuses on interactive visualisations, motions, and dashboards. The students will learn to design effective visualisation tools. The hands-on seminar sessions, which take place in the computer lab, will provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of Tableau to financial data. The assessment is conducted via a group project (30%), a pre-recorded video presentation (10%), and an individual project (60%) at the end of the course. Overall, the students will develop a range of skills, including their problem-solving , digital fluency, and communication skills.