A data visualization course at an Art School

Abstract

We describe an online class at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design on data visualization. The class aims to give a visual, intuitive, hands-on understanding of statistical data presentation suitable for art students. Formal mathematics is kept to an absolute minimum. The curriculum is divided into three sections: a section on fundamentals of what graphs mean, a section on three graphical designers, and a section on state-of-the-art visualization. We use a system developed at MCAD to encourage communitybuilding and mutual critique in an online enviroment. At the time of this writing, the class is beginning its third year and is doing well.