Tableau Data Visualization Course

Home / Tableau Visualization Best Practices Course Description

This course will cover the basic features and functions of Tableau; best practices for visualizing data based on scientific research; and a detailed process for defining requisite information prior to creating dashboards. It’s ideal for business analysts and other users who have little or no Tableau experience.

The course is designed to help you understand the important concepts and techniques used in Tableau to move from simple to complex visualizations. You will learn how to capture essential information to create more meaningful visualizations, and how to combine them in interactive dashboards.

PREREQUISITES

No prerequisite experience is needed, and no technical or analytical background is required.

MODE OF INSTRUCTION

This course is delivered in-person and consists of hands-on activities, interactive dashboard review and critique, visual science review, and lecture. Class discussion and open Q & A are incorporated throughout the course to enhance learning.

COURSE MATERIALS

A training guide, all presentations, and other documents referenced during the training are provided to students as take-aways. Additional resources such as Tips & Hints and special requests are also included.

Visualization Best Practices Course Topics

Connecting to Data

Options for connecting to data
Data types and data roles
Database joins
Data blending
Optimal performance considerations
Reusing and sharing data connections
Working with multiple connections in a workbook

Calculated Fields

Working with string functions, basic arithmetic calculations, date math
Working with totals, custom aggregations, logic statements

Building Interactive Dashboards

Combining multiple visualizations into a dashboard
Making your worksheet interactive

Common Mistakes

Identify common design mistakes
Examples and discussion of more appropriate approaches for each type of mistake

Capturing Requirements

Exercise in capturing requirements via a checklist

Design Best Practices

Impact of design decisions on performance
Specific recommendations of best practices
Things to check before you publish
Notes on use of fonts

Sharing Workbooks

Packaged workbooks
Publishing to Tableau Server and sharing over the web
Other publishing options

Styling

Defining a style guide
Converting your style guide into a reusable template

Analytic Techniques and Creating Views

Representing data using a variety of chart types:
- Geographic map
- Paging/trails heat map
- Scatter plots
- Bar charts
- Crosstabs/text tables
- Sparklines
- Key Performance Indicator (KPI) bands
Analyzing
- Sorting & grouping
- Aliases
- Filtering and quick filters
- Cross-tabs (pivot tables)
- Totals and subtotals
- Drilling down and drill through
- Aggregation and disaggregation
- KPI symbols/shapes

Parameters Basics

Data types of parameters
Using parameters in calculated fields
Inputting parameter values and parameter control options
Using parameters for titles, field selections, logic statements, top X

Hacking the Human Brain

The science behind best practices
The difference between perception and cognition
The relationship between visual memory and visual processing
Aligning types of data with optimal visual features to use

Visual Best Practices

Examples of best practices in action
Proper use of color
Organization of visuals to take advantage of visual processing

Iterative Dashboard Design

Using UD³ – Unilytics Dashboard Design & Development Methodology
Dashboard design phases and recommended deliverables in each phase
- Conception
- Visualization
- Finalization

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