Course Description
Open data initiatives and data literacy have become increasingly important as the digital age opens up new ways for journalists to access and interrogate information. Convergence between government, academia, media and technology means that these data-driven pursuits can be used for the benefit of society. As a result, data-driven storytelling plays a pivotal role in communicating the fruits of this convergence in media publications across the globe.
This course covers a comprehensive introduction to data-driven storytelling, focusing on the creation, integration and embedding of data visualisations in the news piece. Participants will be introduced to both the functional and aesthetic nature of data visualisation through exposure to a range of data-driven stories (produced locally and abroad), visual narrative, mobile-first design and a series of practical exercises in the development of interactive charts, graphs and infographics.
Learning Outcomes
- Identify and distinguish the role of function and purpose in the production of a data visualisation
- Demonstrate an awareness of different browsing landscapes
- Design responsive data visualisations
- Distinguish between the correct usage of static versus interactive data visualisations
- Develop a workflow that is efficient bearing in mind the time constraints present in newsrooms
- Apply foundational design principles (colour theory, composition and typography) to the production of data visualisations
- Communicate efficiently and productively with graphic designers and developers in a newsroom environment
- Sketch and design mock-ups of visualisations that can be translated from paper to screen
- Prepare data-driven stories for print and online publication
- Understand the basics of embed codes and troubleshoot some problems that can arise with these
Intended Audience
Journalists, graphic designers working in newsrooms interested in getting involved in data-driven storytelling, and university-level front-end development/media/journalism students interested in data-driven storytelling.
Course Level
Introductory
Course Length
2 days
Additional Comments
Participants need to have access to their own laptops, as well as an activated google account.
