Information Visualization and Presentation

This course explores how visual representations reveal patterns and structure in complex data by leveraging human visual perception. Students critically examine the field of information visualization, analyzing why certain methods succeed or fail based on usability and adoption. Through hands-on projects and analysis, the course emphasizes how to present information clearly, accurately, and effectively to communicate insights and support data-driven decision-making.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Learn how to present information in an understandable, efficient, effective, accurate, and aesthetic manner, for the purposes of explaining ideas and analyzing data.
2. Acquire skills at designing and evaluating information visualizations and other forms of visual presentation.
3. Become familiar with the core principles and some of the literature of the field.

Unit Count & Additional Lab

Students taking the course for 3 units:

• 3 hours of lecture per week only; no additional lab
• For MIMS students: the 3-unit course does not satisfy the MIMS Technology Requirement

Students taking the course for 4 units:

• 3 hours of lecture per week
• 1 additional hour of lab per week
• For MIMS students: the 4-unit course does satisfy the MIMS Technology Requirement

Note: From 2015 to 2025, this course was offered for 4 units. Before 2015, the course was offered for 3 units.