Spring 2023
INF 385T Special Topics in Information Science: Data Storytelling
DESCRIPTION
Data storytelling is more than sharing data—at its most simple, it’s about designing charts and tables that make sense to the people who will be using them and help those people make better, faster decisions. While making a chart is as easy as a few clicks, doing it well requires much more. There is a science to how our eyes and minds process information as well as an art to making good graphic design choices. This comes together in an effective data presentation when the work is readable, usable, and above all actionable—not just aesthetically pleasing (though we’ll certainly address that too). As information professionals, we are well-positioned to understand and design for the needs of our users, to interrogate our data sources thoughtfully, and to ask future-thinking questions. This course will also draw on elements from cognitive psychology, user experience, data journalism, graphic design, business, and more. This multidisciplinary approach will take us on a grand tour that will touch on many aspects of data analysis and will serve as an excellent introduction to other data-oriented courses in the iSchool master’s program.
COURSE NOTES
See previous semester syllabus for more detailed information about this class: https://www.ischool.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/webform/syllabi/2022_fall_data_storytelling_syllabus_0.pdf
PREREQUISITES
Graduate standing.
RESTRICTIONS
Restricted to graduate degree seekers in the School of Information during registration periods 1 and 2. Remaining seats will be made available to outside students on January 6. Interested non-iSchool students may request a seat reservation by completing this Registration Support Questionnaire.