Data Visualization Collective

Exploring the convergence of science, art, and technology for publications and digital storytelling with EEB graduate student Jessica Kendall-Bar.

In this 10-week independent study group, we will meet weekly to explore data visualization and storytelling using several powerful design platforms:

PowerPoint
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe After Effects
Autodesk Maya
Statistical Software R
Javascript Web Editors: p5.js/d3.js

We will have 5 assignments using a sample dataset or sets that you choose (from your own research or a consenting researcher):

Assignment 1 (15 pts): Graphical Abstract. Create an informative and creative graphical abstract to accompany a scientific publication including graphics, illustrations, and data!
Assignment 2 (15 pts): Simple animation. incorporating motion graphics and visualizing 2D or 3D data using Adobe After Effects or Autodesk Maya.
Assignment 3 (15 pts): Publication-ready figure. Design and plot a clear, responsible, concise, and beautiful figure for publication using ggplot in R.
Assignment 4 (15 pts): Interactive Website. (RShiny/p5.js/d3.js/Wordpress) Create a webpage that allows people to explore and interact with your dataset.
Final project (40 pts): Collaborate with any scientist at UC Santa Cruz to create a data visualization using a platform of your choice. Ideally, this will incorporate each of the elements discussed throughout the quarter (raster and vector graphics, animation, scientific figures, and interactivity). However, it will be up to you and your collaborator how you choose to compile these elements.

We acknowledge the stressful times we are in and value your wellbeing and safety. Please communicate early and openly if you need assistance, time, or flexibility. Your grade will be based on effort and completion. Your time and effort will serve as a building block for us to develop these ideas into a full, UC-wide online course on data visualization techniques for digital storytelling.