Data Visualization

Catalog description

The human mind can handle significant amounts of information, but is not able to process the large masses of data required for business decision-making. There is a vast number of data processing and visualization technologies, tools, and techniques available to business users, but it is important to first understand how human consumers of information receive and interpret it. This class uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine methods for data presentation which are more meaningful to users. Students will learn a variety of concepts related to information gathering, processing, and presentation, and have some practice with a data visualization tool. Course activities draw from various disciplines including information systems, computer science, cognitive psychology, economics, graphic design, and research methods to examine and evaluate information. Students will present and analyze data sets in graphical form and explain their findings via written, oral, and visual presentations.