Data + Design for Development Program
Data Visualization for Social Impact
The ability to visualize and communicate data effectively is more important than ever. As we navigate challenges from public health crises and climate change to social inequality and gaps in educational achievement, data plays a critical role in shaping decisions and driving action. The power of data lies not just in its collection and analysis but in how well it is presented to those who can use it to create meaningful change. The flagship Data + Design for Development Program is open to all fields from public health to social science and is in a live virtual format accessible anywhere. In the program, Data and Design Scholars become proficient in translating complex datasets into clear, accessible, and impactful visualizations and data stories. These skills are invaluable for engaging diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, community leaders, professional colleagues, and the public. Whether the goal is to inform policy, advocate for change, or foster understanding, compelling data visualizations and stories ensure that insights are not only seen but also understood and acted upon.
Past and Present Data + Design for Development Program Scholars & Fellows
Recent Data + Design for Development Program Showcase
About the Program
The Data + Design for Development Program equips researchers, faculty, practitioners, advocates, and social innovators with the tools and techniques to transform complex datasets into dynamic and impactful visualizations for diverse audiences, including policymakers, community leaders, professional stakeholders, and the public. Data and Design Scholars learn how to design audience-centered visualizations, select appropriate data representations, and integrate data from dynamic sources. The program covers best practices for using tools including Tableau, Power BI, Datawrapper, and Flourish, as well as principles of effective design thinking to ensure visuals are both engaging and meaningful. Data and Design Scholars apply these skills to their own data, build their data visualization portfolio, and craft a Capstone Project, which is presented at the Data and Design International Showcase. By the end of the program, Scholars are prepared to amplify the reach and impact of their data insights.
Important Dates & Info
Applications Open: November 27, 2024
Applications Close: January 17, 2025
Program Dates: March – June 2025
Program Format:
Live Virtual Cloud Classroom (3 hours per week) and Individual Meetings with Professors
- Applications Open: November 27, 2024
- Applications Deadline: January 17, 2025
- Program Dates: March - June 2025
- Program Format: Live Virtual Cloud Classroom (3 hours per week) and Individual Meetings with Professors
Features
Audience Analysis and Strategy
Effective data visualization begins with understanding your audience. This involves analyzing the needs, interests, and knowledge levels of stakeholders, such as policymakers, community leaders, colleagues, and the public. The program focuses on designing visualizations that align with audience goals, using tailored data representations and design strategies to ensure clarity and impact. By focusing on audience alignment, Scholars create visualizations that educate, inform decisions, inspire action, and drive meaningful dialogue. The program also includes techniques for evaluating the success of visualizations through tools like analytics dashboards, ensuring continuous refinement to better meet audience needs.
Advanced Data Visualization
Data and Design Scholars master Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, Datawrapper, Flourish, R, and Infogram, among other tools, for creating impactful data visualizations and dashboards. These platforms enable researchers and advocates to analyze, interpret, and present complex data in interactive and visually engaging formats tailored to diverse audiences. Learning these skills provides the versatility to work across various data types and professional contexts. By becoming proficient in these tools, Data and Design Scholars showcase their expertise in assignments and develop a dynamic Capstone Project on a platform of their choosing. With a background in multiple platforms, Scholars have the flexibility to carry out impactful data visualization experiences in many settings.
Crafting a Portfolio
Data and Design Scholars will create a professional data visualization portfolio showcasing their expertise in tools such as Tableau, Power BI, and Datawrapper. Using real-world data, Scholars design dynamic, audience-centered visualizations that highlight their analytical and storytelling skills. The portfolio demonstrates each Scholar’s ability to present impactful insights, enhancing their professional and academic profiles.
Storytelling Techniques
In the program, Data and Design Scholars learn to transform complex data into meaningful narratives that resonate with audiences. Scholars combine data analysis with storytelling techniques to highlight key messages, establish context, and educate. Scholars practice identifying relevant data, designing logical and engaging flows, and enhancing stories with visuals using different visualization workflows and formats. By crafting compelling narratives, Scholars make data accessible and persuasive, improving understanding and inspiring action. Through hands-on projects, Data and Design Scholars develop the skills to create impactful stories that connect with audiences, ensuring their data-driven insights inform decisions and foster meaningful change.
Shaping Decision-making
In the program, Data and Design Scholars learn to present data and visualizations with clarity and purpose, tailoring their designs to engage diverse audiences. They explore how to incorporate data visualizations into policy briefs and interactive dashboards, ensuring insights are both accessible and actionable. By focusing on audience needs, Scholars craft visuals that support informed decision-making and advocacy efforts. The Capstone Project offers the opportunity to create a comprehensive visualization that can be used to shape decision-making and public discourse.
Personal Mentorship
The program offers mentoring and personalized relationships with instructors, including in-depth and individualized feedback. It also provides a framework for international networking and building professional and research relationships that span the globe. Scholars will have access to the Leaders of Africa Institute’s professional network.
Benefits & Qualifications
Official LoAI Certificate
Professional Portfolio with Capstone
Transcript with Qualifications
Reference Letter (If Required)
Application Requirements
- Basic contact information
- Curriculum vitae / resume
- Statement of Interest (maximum of 500 words)
- What are your research, thematic, and professional interests?
- What shaped your interest in learning to craft data visualizations and dashboards?
- What do you hope to learn from the Data + Design for Development Program at the Leaders of Africa Institute?
- What are your career goals?
- How this program will help you meet or achieve your career and educational goals?
