Introductory course on design principles and applications of data visualization. This course teaches best practices for visualizing datasets from diverse domains intended to help people make sense of data.

Data visualization is a rich research area that focuses on the design, development, and use of visual representations and interaction techniques to help people understand, explore, and analyze data. In this course, students will

• Learn fundamental principles of effective data visualization.
• Understand the wide variety of data visualization techniques and know what visualizations are appropriate for various types of data and for different goals.
• Understand how to design and implement data visualizations using commercial and open-source software tools.
• Know how data visualization uses dynamic interaction methods to help users explore, analyze, and make sense of data.
• Gain an understanding of human perceptual and cognitive capabilities to the design of effective data visualizations.
• Develop skills in critiquing different data visualization techniques in the context of user goals and objectives.

Students from a variety of disciplines are invited to take the class, as no prior experience with computer programming is expected. The course will involve using data visualization systems as opposed to coding visualizations from scratch. Students from business, science, engineering, and the arts are all welcome.

Course Format
The course will follow a general lecture/seminar style with discussions, viewing of videos, and demonstrations of and hands-on experience with visualization software. While many classes will include interactive exercises, a few specific days may wholly consist of interactive design exercises.

Grading
Grading will be based on exercises, homework assignments, and two quizzes. The weight of each assignment can be found on the assignments page.

Attendance
All students are expected to attend class. Institute approved absences will be accommodated. Notify Prof. Stasko in advance, by email, if you will miss class for this reason. If you feel some other reason for absence is reasonable, email Prof. Stasko, but again, in advance.

Academic Integrity
All students in class are expected to follow Georgia Tech's principles of academic honor and integrity. Details about GT's policies can be found at the OSI web pages. For information on Georgia Tech's Academic Honor Code, please visit http://www.catalog. gatech.edu/policies/honor-code/ or http://www.catalog.gatech.edu/ rules/18/. Unless otherwise noted, all work should be strictly your own. If you have any questions about these policies, just ask your instructor. Any student suspected of cheating or plagiarizing on a quiz, exam, or assignment will be reported to the Office of Student Integrity, who will investigate the incident and identify the appropriate penalty for violations.

Accommodations for students with disabilities
If you are a student with learning needs that require special accommodation, contact the Office of Disability Services (often referred to as ADAPTS) at (404) 894-2563 or http://disabilityservices.gatech .edu/, as soon as possible, to make an appointment to discuss your special needs and to obtain an accommodations letter. Please also e-mail me as soon as possible in order to set up a time to discuss your learning needs.

Mutual Expectations
At Georgia Tech we believe that it is important to continually strive for an atmosphere of mutual respect, acknowledgement, and responsibility between faculty members and the student body. See http://www.catalog.gatech.edu/ rules/22/ for an articulation of some basic expectations that you can have of me, and that I have of you. In the end, simple respect for knowledge, hard work, and cordial interactions will help build the environment we seek. I encourage you to remain committed to the ideals of Georgia Tech while in this class and always.