Foundations of Data Visualization

Well-designed visualizations do more than just display information, they align with the way our brains naturally process visuals—enhancing understanding, memory, and insight. To tap into this power, you need a strong foundation.

The Foundations of Data Visualization course, taught by Dr. Jesus Caban, introduces the core concepts and techniques required to design with intention—transforming complex data into clear, ethical, and meaningful visual communication.

You’ll start with an overview, exploring data visualization’s role in simplifying complexity, revealing patterns, and telling compelling stories. You’ll understand the history of the field and learn how to spot and avoid misleading visual practices.

Then it’s on to core visualization techniques—learning how to represent nominal, ordinal, and quantitative data using charts like tables, scatter plots, hierarchical diagrams, and line graphs, with attention to when and why each is effective.

We then turn to human visual perception—how we process color, position, and size—and how those insights inform visual design. You’ll take advantage of how our brains process visual information to dramatically improve the clarity and effectiveness of your visualizations. This cognitive approach ensures your visuals aren’t just accurate—they’re impactful and easy to grasp

Through video lectures, readings, hands-on assignments, and exploring good (and not-so good) examples, you’ll understand how to apply best practices in design and visual encoding.

You’ll walk away with a clear framework, practical vocabulary, and a critical eye that sets you up for success in more advanced applications. You’ll be equipped to produce visualizations that are not only accurate and effective, but also respectful of your audience’s time, attention, and trust.