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Chart Smarter: Mastering Data Visualization

4 hours learning
Short Course
Beginner
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Section outline

  • Course Overview

    This course gives a comprehensive guide to data visualization. You'll learn the basics of presenting data, understand different data types and encoding methods, choose the right chart types, and become proficient in using visualization tools like Excel. By the end, you'll be able to create powerful and effective visualizations for your data. 

    Learning Outcomes

    This course will help you to:

    1. Identify situations where the utilization of data visualization is appropriate   
    2. Encode data using the main visual variables
    3. Choose the appropriate chart that facilitates each type of comparison  
    4. Practice creating graphs in Excel  
    5. Format and style charts to make powerful visualizations 

    • Course Instructors

      • Laura Koivunen-Niemi

        Laura Koivunen-Niemi works as an information designer at Koponen+Hildén. She has worked as a visual designer since 2009. Before joining the company in 2018, Laura worked as a graphic and multimedia designer in California for both private and public agencies, and more recently in the news graphics desk at the Finnish public broadcasting company Yle. 

        View Bio for Laura Koivunen-Niemi

      • Juuso Koponen

        Juuso Koponen is an information designer and data journalist. He has worked as a visual communication designer since 1999. Juuso teaches information design and data journalism in Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Aalto University, and other Finnish universities.

        View Bio for Juuso Koponen

      • Jonatan Hildén

        Jonatan Hildén is an information designer at Koponen+Hildén, a design studio he co-founded with Juuso Koponen in 2014. He has worked in graphic design and information design since 2006. Jonatan teaches information design in Aalto University, LAB University of Applied Sciences, and other Finnish universities. 

        View Bio for Jonatan Hildén

      • Pre-Course Self Assessment

        Before you dive into this course, spend a few moments reflecting on your familiarity with the topic and your current level of skills confidence. 

        You will then re-visit the same questions in our Post-Course Self Assessment and reflect on how the course has helped you develop in confidence and grow your skills. 

        • Module One: How to Present Data: The Basics

          This module will help you to:

          1. Recognize what data visualization is and its main purpose  
          2. Identify situations where the utilization of data visualization is appropriate   
          3. Evaluate when alternative methods of data presentation may be more suitable  

        • Module Two: Types of Data and Their Encoding Methods

          This module will help you to:

          1. Assess the main data types of data that can be visualized  
          2. Encode data using the main visual variables   

        • Module Three: What Is the Right Chart Type for My Data?

          This module will help you to:

          1. Make different data comparisons that can be showcased in visualizations  
          2. Choose the appropriate chart that facilitates each type of comparison  

        • Module Four: Be a Chart Wizard!

          This module will help you to:

          1. Choose which visualization tool is most suitable for your needs  
          2. Practice creating graphs in Excel     
          3. Format and style charts to make powerful visualizations 

        • Glossary of Key Terms

          In addition to the glossary you’ll find woven throughout the course, you can find the full glossary collated in one place here.

        • Post-Course Self Assessment

          Now you’ve completed the course, spend a few moments reflecting on where your familiarity with the topics and your confidence skills levels are at now. 

          Has the course helped you develop new skills and grow your confidence?

          You'll need to complete the Post-Course Self Assessment in order to download your certificate. If you didn't do the Pre-Course Self Assessment before starting the course, please go to the top of the page and reflect on your familiarity with the topic and your level of skills confidence before you started the course.

          • Completion: Certificate

            Completing all modules (plus the pre and post-course assessments) will unlock the course certificate, which you can then download here. Your course certificate will only be made available once you have completed all these sections.

            If you have difficulty accessing your certificate, please contact the Sage support team at: onlinesupport@sagepub.co.uk. You can also check out this FAQ page which may be helpful.

            • Give Feedback About This Course

              Did you enjoy the course? Please take two minutes to share your feedback. We use learner feedback in future course updates and developments to provide an excellent learning experience.

            • Accessibility

              We have high standards of accessibility on Sage Campus and as of May/June 2024 all activities within this course are keyboard and screen reader compatible. For more details on accessibility standards, please see the Sage Campus Accessibility Guide.

              For those using assistive technology, please note that within this course:

              • Tab components: JAWS and NVDA behave slightly differently. For NVDA to keep reading, it is best to exit focus mode and go back to browse mode. 
              • Matching: JAWS does not read out question label on dropdown focus. 
              Original Publication date: 03-2025
              Last Updated: 06-2026