Data visualisation for journalists, designers and marketers

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Data visualisation for journalists, designers and marketers

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Saturday, January 17, 2015 · 10am - 4pm GMT

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Discover how infographics can make compelling stories out of raw data

A good infographic is the picture that's worth ten thousand words, capable of exploding preconceptions or making instant sense of complex trends. It's no wonder data visualisation is the hottest thing in communications.

This one-day crash course will show you how to spot visual stories in data and bring them out in engaging, attractive infographics which pack a punch. It's a stimulating way to learn how to make compelling stories out of otherwise dry or impenetrable material. You'll gain practical experience of sifting data sets for infographic gold, find out how to spot and assemble stories and learn the golden rules of data collection when commissioning research of your own.
No experience of graphic design is necessary, as the course provides an introduction to classic data visualisation templates – for simple and more involved infographics – that give statistics an impact that words can't match.

This course is for you if…

This course will be of particular benefit to journalists hoping to pitch or commission infographic features, marketing and communications professionals who want to present information attractively and with impact, and designers who want to develop their infographic skills. However, it's also suitable for anyone who needs to present complex information in a digestible form. If you'd like more in-depth tuition in the design of infographics, you may be interested in our other data visualisation courses.

We also offer bespoke corporate Data Visualisation training for businesses – click here for more information.

Course description

This course mixes classroom tuition with practical exercises in spotting, structuring and visualising stories drawn from a number of real-life data sets. The emphasis of the event is on finding and telling powerful stories using data visualisation, how to interpret data and how to collect data to ensure your own research leads to great infographics. By the end of the day, attendees will be familiar with all the skills, techniques and tools required for effective visual storytelling. Topics covered on the day include:

  • How to know when to use visuals to tell a story better
  • Examples of good and bad practice
  • The skills, tools and techniques you (or your team) need to produce captivating infographics
  • Finding accurate and complete raw data
  • Analysing data to find an engaging story
  • Finding the right presentation model for your narrative, and how different storytelling approaches can be taken with the same data set
  • How audiences read and interpret visual stories, at a glance and in-depth
  • Balancing style and substance, and knowing how far you can go
  • How to keep ahead of trends in data visualisation

PLEASE NOTE: This course does not involve computers – all outlines and idea sketches will be done on paper.

Tutor profiles

Christian Tate is the art director of the Slow Journalism Company, publishers of Delayed Gratification magazine. He has created countless infographics (click here to see a selection of recent work in Delayed Gratification magazine), including the winner of the silver prize for data visualisation at this year's Information is Beautiful awards.. As well as his work at Delayed Gratification magazine, he has created infographics for Mazda, Zurich, Empire magazine and the BBC. Click here to see his website.

Rob Orchard is the editorial director of the Slow Journalism Company. He works in partnership with Christian to bring together data sets to tell fascinating political, cultural and social stories through infographics, researching and editing all the infographics in Delayed Gratification magazine. He has years of experience in writing and commissioning features, and also runs the Feature writing course for Guardian Masterclasses.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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