Get-Started

This is an update - especially for those who joined class late (we admitted a lot of students on or after the first day, but we should be done for now). We want everyone to get caught up on the first few assignments as soon as possible. Hopefully, we can get through the mechanics and administrative stuff and focused on learning Visualization!

Canvas is central to the online parts of the class. It is worth taking time upfront to learn to use it effectively and to configure it to your needs.

If you are just getting started, the most important things to know (in a suggested order to read them):

• If you haven’t read What Is This Class and Why? page you should. Make sure you want to be here. Check the Requirements as well.
• You might want to read the What is Visualization? tutorial (this will be a reading assignment in week 1) to get a sense of the course philosophy.
• Understand the Communications Policy policy to know what there is beyond this web page.
• Look at the Parts of Class which will give you an idea of how the class works. There are required class meetings (“lectures”), 3 regular weekly tasks (discussion, seek-and-find, survey), and design exercises.
• All these pieces shouldn’t be too hard to keep track of because there is a Weekly Rhythm.
• Look at the Schedule to get a sense of what will happen this semester (at least what is scheduled so far).
• You should understand the course Policies.
• You don’t need to purchase Books since we will provide the required readings online, but you must come to class and bring art supplies (see Class Meetings (attendance policy)).
• If you’re concerned about Grading and Late Policy, the grading plan might not make you feel better.
• And then look at The Week in Vis: Week 01 to see what’s happening the first week!

This class has many parts (see Parts of Class for descriptions). To keep things organized, each week will follow the same general rhythm:

• Monday: Class meeting (lecture and/or in-class exercise); Readings Due; Surveys (content and/or class) Class Survey Due (some weeks);
• Wednesday: Class meeting (lecture and/or in-class exercise); Discussion initial posting due; Content Survey Due (most weeks);
• Friday: Seek and Find Due; Design Exercise Due

Other than class meetings (11-12:15), everything is due on that day, Madison time. If it’s 12:01am Tuesday, it’s not Monday. You should assume that all deadlines are strict. We will let you know if there are exceptions.

This class has no official pre-requisites.

You need to have graduate standing - we expect a certain level of intellectual maturity.

Importantly, you need to be willing to learn about visualization design by reading, discussing/writing, and trying small exercises. (see What Is This Class and Why?).

Attendance is part of class. This class involves in-class experiences. This requires students to be in class - if you are not in class for the in-class experience, you won’t have the in-class experience. If you know that you will miss a lot of classes, or do not intend to come to class “nearly all of the time”, please do not take the class.

This class is a principles-and-design-oriented exploration of Data Visualization. This posting will explain the content, style and rationale for the class. The class is different from most other CS classes.

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Summary

1. This class focuses on the principles of Visualization, with a focus on design. It does not focus on implementation. If you want to learn about implementation, you may be disappointed.

2. The class focuses on the basics/foundations, not the fancy stuff.

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