| Unit name | Data Visualisation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | INOV20007 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Mr. Bartlett |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None. |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None. |
| School/department | Centre for Innovation |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
Data visualisation is crucial in transforming raw data into insightful, impactful visual narratives that drive decision-making and innovation. In a world saturated with information, the ability to present data clearly and compellingly is invaluable. This unit will empower you with the skills to not only analyse data but also to communicate its story effectively, making complex ideas accessible to any audience. Whether you aspire to influence policy, design user-friendly products, or drive business strategy, mastering data visualisation is essential. This course is not just about creating graphs; it’s about turning data into powerful stories that can inspire action, spark new ideas, and provide clarity amidst complexity.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
In Year 2, you will delve into storytelling, community engagement, and data visualisation – reinforcing the programme’s commitment to global and civic engagement. You will explore narrative techniques and global challenges, linking your learning to real-world impacts. Shifting focus towards the application of knowledge through more interactive and community-engaged units, you will also develop technical skills in data visualisation where you will learn to transform complex data into compelling visual narratives, enhancing their ability to communicate insights effectively.
An overview of content
Dive into the intersection of design and data, exploring techniques to transform complex information into compelling visual narratives. Explore principles of visual hierarchy, colour theory and typography to craft impactful data-driven designs. Through hands-on projects develop the skills to communicate insights effectively and drive informed decision-making. This unit focuses on the skills you need to better collect, analyse, and use data to understand the people behind the data – not statistical modelling.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Change how you perceive, interpret, and communicate data. You will acquire an understanding of key data visualisation concepts, techniques, and tools, empowering you to extract meaningful insights from complex data sets. You will become analytical and visually oriented, allowing you to approach problems with a critical eye and a creative mindset. You will develop the ability to craft compelling visual stories that resonate with diverse audiences, turning raw data into clear, persuasive narratives. Ultimately, you will become a more effective communicator and decision-maker, with the ability to bridge the gap between data and its impactful application in any professional context.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
How you will learn
Teaching will be an interactive studio with live workshop sessions, in-person lectures and design critiques. The primary delivery mode is through projects and assignments of varying length. The pedagogy is discursive with an emphasis on student presentations, peer group learning, workshops and group critique. This simulates the group-based professional context of design practices and allows for the kind of discussion, debate, and diversity of perspective that really stimulates creative learning. Teaching and assessments are focused on foundation visualisation skills and real-world case studies to build required technical skills and add to the authenticity of what is being learnt and why. Students regularly practise their subject outside formal taught sessions.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Project Portfolio (individual assessment), 2500 words or equivalent (comprising 500 written words plus practical work) (40%), [ILOs 1-3]
A collection of personal data visualisation exercises developed throughout the term.
Practical Exercise (group assessment), 4000 words or equivalent (comprising 1000 written words plus practical work) (60%), [ILOs 1-4]
Using the skills/techniques developed to investigate a research problem relevant to the discipline.
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. INOV20007).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
