Foundations of data visualization

Ever have someone ask you for a rush request and that leaves you feeling 😡? But then someone else has a rush request, stating that they were just told of a big board meeting in 2 days and having XYZ for it would be a huge help and they’re sorry for the rush and they thank you profusely? Having the context changes things. The same holds true for data and data visualizations.

This course will demonstrate how visualizations without context can cause confusion and possibly lead to bad decisions moving forward. To make data-informed decisions, you need both the What and the Why.

Along the way, we will also work through creating visualizations in Excel with sample data to demonstrate different ways to visualize data to help tell the story. Through the demonstrations, you will learn about “chartjunk” and how to remove it, choosing the best visual for your story, and tips to check for accessibility.

Learning objectives

Context is Critical

Data can show you What happened. Context tells you Why.

Know Your Audience

Which visualization you use depends on your audience and the story you want to tell.

Keep it Clean

Don’t make people work too hard to understand what’s in the visual: keep it clean.

Curriculum outline

Context is Critical
- Why context is critical
- How to provide context
- Misleading context
Exercising Excel caution
Know Your Audience & Tell A Story
- Choosing the best visual for the audience
- Zooming in and zooming out
Organizing data to tell your story
Keep it Clean
- Scrutinize Excel's recommended charts
- Watch out for chartjunk
- Pick the best visual for your story
- Prioritize accessibility
Wrap Up
- Things to remember if you forget the rest

Coming Soon

Course details

Members $60

Non-members $120

Earn a Professional Certificate and save 40% on course registrations.

Meet the presenter

SB Birnie

Pronouns: they/them

Vice President of Analytics

Avalon Consulting Group

Birnie (who goes by 'SB' or 'Birnie') is a queer vegan who has been on a gender identity journey for as long as they've been in the nonprofit fundraising industry - over 20 years. SB's career started at the Human Rights Campaign, where they developed analyses of HRC’s fundraising programs, including its monthly sustainer program, which grew 500% under their leadership. This is where their deep love for sustainers and payment processing started. After that, SB joined ROI Solutions, where they ultimately focused on database transitions and integrations, ensuring all deliverables were met on time with a high degree of accuracy. Now, as a full-time nerd leading the award-winning Avalon Analytics team, Birnie takes the lead on developing and maintaining innovative analytical products and deliverables. Their favorite days are when they get to dig into data to answer client questions and think of new ways to tell the data story.

Looking for more ways to learn?

Take charge of your professional development with these other learning opportunities.

Nonprofit Tech Readiness

These six-month cohorts give you an opportunity to ramp up your technology leadership and planning skills.Learn about Nonprofit Tech Readiness

Professional certificates

Boost your career by earning a professional certificate that builds your skills and demonstrates your nonprofit tech know-how.Learn about certificates

Scholarships

If finances are tight, apply for a scholarship for an NTEN course or professional certificate. Availability limited.Learn about scholarships

NTEN is creating a world where missions and movements are successful through the skillful and equitable use of technology.

NTEN™
P.O. Box 86308
Portland, OR 97286-0308
+1 503-272-8800