Principles of Effective Data Visualization: Part 1 of 3

This two hour in-person training covers the conceptual foundations of effective data visualization. Attendees examine how the human visual system processes information. This understanding informs practical design decisions. Key topics include the perceptual ranking of visual encodings, Gestalt principles, and preattentive processing. The training shows how to map data values to aesthetics through scales. It demonstrates the appropriate use of qualitative, sequential, and diverging color scales. The session also covers common pitfalls such as over-encoding, arbitrary use of color, and neglecting color vision deficiencies. Colorblind-accessible tools and palettes are introduced. No software prerequisites are required for this session. 

By the end of this training, attendees will be able to:  

• Analyze how different visual encodings affect the accuracy of data interpretation. 

• Use Gestalt principles and preattentive attributes to design visualizations that improve clarity, grouping, and rapid perception. 

• Evaluate the appropriateness of color scales. 

• Identify and correct common visualization pitfalls.