EH 315: Professional Writing and Data Visualization: Home

Data visualization is the graphical representation of information and data. By using visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps, data visualization tools provide an accessible way to see and understand trends, outliers, and patterns in data.

Through an IMLS grant, Visualizing the Future, Dorothy Ogdon and I developed a framework of threshold concepts necessary for both creation and evaluation of data visualization.

Following are four frames that describe data, its behaviors, and its characteristics in the contexts of visualization and communication. The next tab has explanations and examples of each frame.

• Data and its visualization can be manipulated to achieve a desired result.
• Data visualization is information, and information has monetary value
• Content is culture- and community-based
• Data visualization tells a story

Also, check out our Data Visualization guide!