Are you a driven HBO student who has always wanted to understand how cutting-edge technologies are transforming the world of data visualization and dashboard design? Every field encounters situations in which large amounts of data need to be processed and made understandable to end users. This is often done using graphs, infographics or dashboards. 

The deployment of new technology (GEOdata, 3D/AR/VR, digital twins, etc.) can make these visualizations more powerful and understandable. In this multidisciplinary minor, where IT students collaborate with students from other disciplines, you share your knowledge of your field to create innovative visualizations. 

The minor Innovative Data Visualization (IDV) explores the added value that arises when state-of-the-art technologies are used for data visualization and dashboard design: 

- Data Quality in the Spotlight: We start by examining the core - the quality of the data. Learn how to lay the foundation for innovative data visualizations by ensuring the reliability and usability of data. 

- Unlock Predictive Insights: Go beyond a first look at the data and learn how to analyze data to make valuable predictions. We encourage you to develop innovative methods to enrich and supplement data as needed. 

- Design Thinking in Action: Discover the power of the Design Thinking method as you explore the most appropriate way to visualize data. Learn how to make information understandable and engaging for users. Experiment with Geodata, 3D/VR/AR, and digital twins. 

- Bring Your Vision to Life: With the knowledge you have gained, realize your innovative data visualization on the platform of your choice. Document your journey in a scientific paper and present your creation to clients. 

But that's not all! At IDV, we work in an inspiring learning community where students, teachers, and industry professionals come together to learn, explore, and innovate. You work with your project group on real assignments from industry clients. During classroom sessions, you share knowledge, experiences, and tips with your fellow students. 

Bring your unique background and expertise to our multidisciplinary team. HBO-ICT students bring in programming skills;  
ADS/AI students bring data skills and statistical knowledge;  
CMD/UX students have expertise in interaction and user experience design;  
Students from other programs such as Public Administration, Spatial Planning, etc., bring their domain-specific knowledge. 

At IDV, you will find a place where your skills come together to stimulate innovation on a multi-disciplinary way.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

In this minor, students learn to contribute to the way data is visualized for end users based on their own background. Data visualization involves translating technical data into a visualization that tells a comprehensible story. It is a multidisciplinary challenge, as both technical knowledge and knowledge of the substantive domain are required. 

Students with a technical (IT) background learn to familiarize themselves with substantive issues and work in a multidisciplinary team. 

Students with a non-technical (IT) background become acquainted with the technology and learn to collaborate with technical professionals. 

Topics that are covered include: 

DATA : Collecting Data, analysing and pre-processing data (ETL); Data-quality; Basic statistical knowledge / data-analytics techniques; Big data and predictive analytics; Python programming 

Data USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN: Data visualization; Dashboard design; Geographical data; Digital Twin 

TOOLS: PowerBI of Tableau; Elastic; 3D/AR/VR/XR data visualisation Open Data (Unity); Leflet.js (GEO-data) 

ORGANIZATION: Government(alData); Open data  

RESEARCH SKILLS: Design Thinking Method; Main and Sub-questions; Design Research: Investigating through Doing.

Students learn how to transform a complex amount of information into an innovative visualization that adds value to the workflow of end users at the client. 

• Students can determine the underlying question of the client through design thinking. 
• Students can connect different data sources and make them collaborate with each other. 
• Students can intelligently supplement and enrich data (quality). 
• Students can apply elementary data techniques regarding making data understandable and predicting data developments. 
• Students can, based on research into innovative visualizations and the preferences of end users, create an innovative visual  product that adds value for the stakeholders. 
• Students are aware of ethical and legal aspects related to data and know how to apply them correctly in their final product. 

Keywords: Analyzing problem domain & formulating problem statement; Gathering, analyzing & processing information; Conducting research; Critical, investigative & methodical work; Effective communication.

Strong analytical skills, creativity, and/or programming skills are helpful, but not required. During the minor basic topics will be covered to bring all students to the same level of understanding. While working in multi-disciplinairy teams the group will have enough basic-knowledge to finish the final product.

Target group:

The minor is intended for students who enjoy delving into a complex information assignment involving various interests and stakeholders.  

The minor is designed for students from all kinds of bachelor programs. During the minor students bring knowledge of their own field into the minor, which makes the final product multi-disciplinary instead of only technology driven.

Students need a laptop to access course materials and work on research projects. Course materials are available at no cost.  

• In order to get up to speed with Python scripting students use -free of charge - online materials such as Datacamp or Youtube-tutorials. 
• Several in depth articles will be provided on the digital learning environment. 
• Inspirational books about the design thinking method and usefull research activities will be available on the physical class days 

• Aan de slag met Design Thinking / Eveline van Zeeland 
• The design thinking toolbox / Michael Lewrick 
• Design. Think. Make. Break. Repeat. / Martin Tomitsch

Contact hours

13 hours a week physical class and presentations. The contact hours are on Monday and Friday. 

Students plan their self-study moments; online class moments and group projectmeetings on their own schedule. 

Teaching methods and average study load per week (40 hours): 

Physical Class 12 hours a week 

Online class   4 hours a week 

Presentations   1 hour a week 

Self-studie   4 hours a week 

Group project 19 hours a week 

This minor includes the following assessment forms: 

Assessment Form    Percentage    Week    Retake 

Individual assignment    25% (>=5.5)    wk 13-17  wk 20 

Portfolio (group)    50% (>=4.5)    wk 19    wk 20 

Assessment (group)    25% (>=4.5)    wk 19   wk 20

The individual assignment consists of a task that delves deeper into the subject matter. The group portfolio includes justification for choices made and the developed end product. The assessment comprises a product presentation and a professional conversation where choices are questioned. 

Scores for all subcomponents are averaged. On average, a minimum of 5.5 must be achieved to pass the minor successfully. 

Partners

Bachelor programs ADS/AI and CMD/UX 

Lectoraat Group Civic Technology 

Lectoraat Energy in transition 

Local and national government institutions like the Municipality of Den Haag, National Police, Rijkswaterstaat and the Rijksvastgoedbedrijf.

You will take this course at the Zoetermeer location of THUAS.