MSD Meet Ups

Data Visualization: Storytelling with Data

Curious how to move beyond boring dashboards and misleading pie charts? In this hands‑on workshop, we’ll explore how clear visuals and strong narrative can turn raw numbers into insights that drive decisions.

We’ll cover the fundamentals of visual perception, chart selection, and layout, then show how to craft a cohesive story that gives your audience the right context at the right moment.

We’ll highlight practical, open resources and best‑practice frameworks that shape the field of data visualization today—from principles popularized by experts like Edward Tufte and Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic to community‑driven guidelines for accessible, inclusive visual design.

You’ll see examples of effective redesigns, learn techniques for avoiding common pitfalls (like clutter, inappropriate chart types, and misleading scales), and get simple heuristics you can apply immediately.

Finally, we’ll dive into dashboard design: how to align visuals to user goals, choose metrics that matter, and build layouts that guide attention without overwhelming. Bring a dataset or a dashboard—participants will share work in small groups and receive constructive, action‑oriented feedback they can use to improve clarity and impact.
Speakers:

• Summer Stickney

Agenda:

• 17:30 – 17:45 - Registration
• 17:45 - 18:30 Intro to data visualization and storytelling
• 18:30 – 20:00 Sharing and feedback, breakout groups
• 20:00 – 20:30 Wrap‑up, Q&A

See you there!

Please note: photos and/or short videos may be taken during this event for use in our promotional and marketing materials (website, social media, newsletters, etc.). If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please let an organizer know when you arrive and we will do our best to accommodate your request.