Data Science · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 4 of 5 · 11 guided hours

Visualisation and Data Storytelling

Choose effective charts, build them in Python and turn analysis into a clear, honest story for decision-makers.

Learning objectives

  • Choose chart types that match the message
  • Create clear, labelled charts with matplotlib and seaborn
  • Structure findings as a story with a clear recommendation

Topics

  • chart choice
  • bar, line, scatter and histogram
  • labels, titles and units
  • avoiding misleading charts
  • story structure
  • writing a data brief

Lessons

  1. Lesson 1 Choosing the Right Chart

    Match chart types to what you want to show: comparison, change over time, distribution or relationship.

    comparison: bar charttrend: line chartdistribution: histogramrelationship: scatter plot

  2. Lesson 2 Making Clear Charts in Python

    Create charts with matplotlib and seaborn and make them readable with titles, labels and sensible design.

    matplotlibseaborntitles and labelscolour use

  3. Lesson 3 Telling a Story with Data

    Structure findings into a short brief that leads readers to a decision.

    key messagestory structurecaveatscall to action

Practical activity

Produce three charts and a one-page brief answering the water committee's question, then improve a deliberately misleading chart.

Expected outcomes

  • Clear, honest charts
  • Briefs that lead to decisions

Assessment

Chart and brief review against a checklist covering chart choice, labelling, honesty and clarity of the recommendation.

Free taster lesson Data Visualization & Storytelling Read a free self-study lesson on this topic in the Free Course Library.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.