Data Visualization: Storytelling

Data Visualization: Storytelling

We are wired for story. We crave it. Storytelling has played an integral role in our ability to make progress as a species. It should come as no surprise, then, that presenting data and information in story form maximizes the effectiveness of our communication. We can create deeper emotional responses in our audience when we present data in story form.

Join data visualization expert Bill Shander as he guides you through the process of turning "facts and figures" into "story" to engage and fulfill our human expectation for information. This course is intended for anyone who works with data and has to communicate it to others, whether a researcher, a data analyst, a consultant, a marketer, or a journalist. Bill shows you how to think about, and craft, stories from data by examining many compelling stories in detail.

Learning objectives

  • Describe the historic progress of storytelling as a means of communication.
  • Define acronyms relating to storytelling.
  • Identify the components of a flow diagram.
  • Determine the appropriate times to use labels.
  • Describe the process by which people read visualizations.
  • Review the concepts of complexity and simplicity in using visualizations.

Skills covered

Responsible Wong Quesada, Carlos Eduardo
Last Update 02/26/2025
Completion Time 1 hour 39 minutes
Members 1
  • 1. Why Storytelling?
    • 1.1 Humans are wired for story
      New
    • 1.2 Data storytelling is essential, except when it isn't
      New
    • 1.3 Using story even when you don't
      New
    • 1.4 Chapter Quiz
      New 10 xp
  • 2. Story Structure
    • 2.1 The KWYs
      New
    • 2.2 Story components
      New
    • 2.3 Finding the story in your data
      New
    • 2.4 Outlining your story
      New
    • 2.5 Use your words
      New
    • 2.6 Sketching ideas
      New
    • 2.7 Chapter Quiz
      New 10 xp
  • 3. Story Mechanisms
    • 3.1 Change over time
      New
    • 3.2 Linear logic
      New
    • 3.3 Flow diagrams
      New
    • 3.4 Compare and contrast
      New
    • 3.5 Progressive depth
      New
    • 3.6 Personalization
      New
    • 3.7 Text
      New
    • 3.8 Chapter Quiz
      New 10 xp
  • 4. Final Touches
    • 4.1 Labeling
      New
    • 4.2 Eye candy
      New
    • 4.3 Repetition and redundancy
      New
    • 4.4 Relatability
      New
    • 4.5 Don't be afraid of complexity
      New
    • 4.6 Chapter Quiz
      New 10 xp
  • Conclusion
    • Next steps
      New