XD5008 - Data Visualisation

What will I learn on this module?

The module will introduce you to the methods, tools and procedures to enable you understand and apply theories and practices for creative data visualisation practices. Moving beyond the traditional sphere of pie-charts and bar graphs, the module will present concepts and ideas for the visual or interactive representation which span a range of graphical, physical or interactive experiences and challenge you to develop a practice in which uses data as a source, starting point for creative exploration and visual interpretation.
During this module, you will learn how to apply theory and collect data from a variety of sources and formats - from digital data sets to localised, analogue, data collection activities. You will also be introduced to creative visual methods and tools for representing data in a variety of visual and interactive formats: e.g. data drawings, information graphics, interactive experiences or physical and environmental representations.
The module will enable you to gain confidence with key concepts and tools for collecting, handling, and visualising data to generate data-informed prototypes and artefacts, which explore new ways to inform and engage audiences, present information, tell data stories or to provide new perspectives on familiar subjects.

How will I learn on this module?

Your module tutors will provide extensive support in various forms, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. Each module kicks off with a comprehensive briefing that outlines the expected learning outcomes, module requirements, and a detailed schedule.

The module will use a range of blended teaching and learning activities. Studio-based lectures, hands-on workshops, and studio practice will introduce core methods, tools and processes for the practice of designing using data and data visualisation.
A series of design challenges, projects and data collection and visualisation activities will outline to core workflow from data souring through to visual generation using digital and non-digital processes.


A series of short practical design challenges and exercises will enable you to explore all parts of the data visualisation pipeline and explore a range of methods of data collection and representation: from localised data collection and hand-drawn data graphics through to digital methods of data sourcing and representation via digital applications and software.
A final design challenge provides you with the opportunity to delve into and experiment with the techniques and processes taught throughout the module. It will give you the chance to apply these concepts in the design and development of a data visualization object, artifact, or environment.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Module tutors will all play a role in guiding you throughout the module. You will be guided by tutors with relevant expertise in visual communication design and data visualisation and are either experienced practitioners or practitioner-researchers. Studio feedback and interim presentations will provide key moments for tutor and peer feedback on your ideas and will form the basis on which you will be develop your submitted projects. You will also be given the opportunity to have feedback on your research and development in short group or individual sessions with the tutors.

Further academic support is provided via e-Learning tools, such as discussion groups, blogs and wikis. Additional contact with tutors will also be available during office hours by arrangement. Additional support is provided through the English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP) module where English is not your first language.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• LO 1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of core data visualisation methods and processes. KU3

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• LO2 Show evidence of an iterative, research and development process through annotated design document IPSA1 IPSA2

• LO 3 Demonstrate Show evidence of creative thinking experimental design approach through the creation of data visualisation prototypes and artefacts IPSA2 PVA1

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• LO 4Demonstrate the ability to communicate and present final design outcomes and concepts in both visual and verbal formats PVA4

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed formatively, using verbal feedback during timetabled sessions at key stages of the design development process.

You will be summatively assessed at the end of the module through the submission of :


• Component 1 40%: Data Visualisation Exercises: a series of pieces in response to short exercises demonstrating your understanding of data visualisation principles.
MLOs 1 2 3

• Component 2: 60% Data Visualisation Final Project: A design response to a single data visualisation challenge
MLOs 3 4


At this summative stage you will receive initial verbal feedback during your presentation, followed up with additional written feedback on your design process book and final submission.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Moving beyond the traditional pie-chart and bar graph this module will introduce you to a range of creative and experimental visual methods and tools for representing data in a variety of visual and interactive or physical formats. During this module you will be introduced to data collection processes and a range of visualisation methods to explore ways to gather and use data to inform and engage audiences, present information, tell data stories or to provide new perspectives on familiar subjects.
A series of short practical design challenges and exercises will enable you to explore all parts of the data visualisation pipeline and explore a range of methods of data collection and representation: from localised data collection and hand-drawn data graphics through to digital methods of data sourcing and representation via digital applications and software.
A final design challenge provides you with the opportunity to delve into and experiment with the techniques and processes taught throughout the module. It will give you the chance to apply these concepts in the design and development of a data visualization object, artifact, or environment

Course info

UCAS Code W200

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Northumbria School of Design

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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