DiY Data Design Workshop

What the workshop is about.

You could say it’s a design workshop for data people. Or possibly a data visualization workshop for busy people.  

But my favorite explanation is that it’s a workshop aimed at unleashing the designer that lives within you.

The workshop is designed to do three things…

• Provide you with exposure to new tools and techniques with real world examples.
• Inspire you to practice creating your own designs.
• Give you direct support and a space to share your work.

It’s one part masterclass, one part community of practice.

What we create.

For topics, we focus a lot on designing charts, infographics, reports, digital content, and dashboards.

The software we use.

As far as software goes, our focus is on easy to use web-based design tools such as Canva, Adobe Express, Flourish, Datawrapper, and Figma.  You don’t have to come in knowing any of these tools to get value out of the workshop. 

How is the workshop structured?

• It’s virtual and open year round. We meet live each week through Zoom on Wednesdays at 3PM eastern.
  
• No prep necessary, just show up and learn something. We also make time for questions and discussion every week.
  
• Parts of all sessions are recorded (I like to leave some “off the record” time so participants can feel comfortable talking openly).
  
• If you want to binge learn, there is a growing collection of short self-paced courses included with the workshop.  You’ll also find well over 50 hours worth of session recordings.
  
• I also send out a short weekly newsletter just for workshop participants. It’s designed to give you a regular little dose of creative inspiration, even if you don’t have the time to make our weekly sessions.

Are you the instructor? What is your teaching style?

Yes, I am the instructor.  And my teaching style is informal.

Each week I teach something, but I also try to facilitate a conversation. If someone has a specific struggle, we collectively address that specific struggle.  Participants are encouraged to request session topics based on their individual needs.

My goal each week is to give everyone at least one or two takeaways.  It could be about a technique, a new tool, or some inspiration.  I also strive to create a relaxed environment filled with peer support and laughter. 

Who should join?

Researchers and evaluators who give a sh*t.  

While demand for better reporting and design is growing, it’s not at a level that forces the whole data industry to change.  That means you can keep creating boring and ineffective reports and not lose your job. 

The people who join my workshop care enough about their work and the audiences they serve to want to create better reports.  

We have learners of all ages with very different levels of data design competency.  The thing they share is a desire for personal professional growth.  

How Much Does it Cost?

The regular price for the workshop is $99/month or $999 for 12 months. This includes everything.

Can’t afford the workshop but want to join?

I offer “no ask necessary” scholarships, available to everyone.  

Designed for BIPOC, non-profit, students, developing countries, unemployed data people, and anyone else who wants to join but simply cannot afford the price tag.  I also encourage BIPOC participants to take a scholarship even if you can afford the full price tag.

The available scholarships include 25%OFF, 50%OFF, and 75%OFF.

What if I join and don’t like it?

I offer a 30 day money back guarantee. So if you try it out and it’s not what you wanted, just let me know and I’ll give you a full refund.

I’m already learning about data visualization from somebody else…

I promise you, you won’t find a ton of overlap. Many popular data visualization workshops are built around step by step tutorials using mainstream tools like Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Tableau, Adobe Illustrator, R, and PowerBI. This is all good stuff to learn, it’s just not what I teach.

I put a lot more focus on designing charts, infographics, and visual reports using freemium web-based tools like Canva, Adobe Express, Flourish, and DataWrapper. My data design methods are also drawn from human centered design, user experience design, and front-end software development.

These tools and my methods allow you to create better designs in less time, with less confusion.

Make it easy on yourself.

I know, change is hard. And our world is busy and overwhelming.

But there are easy tools you can use to create professional work. You just need to know what’s out there and what methods to use. Then you need to get some practice creating and have someone to talk to when you get stuck.

That’s it.

That’s what this workshop is all about. That’s what I’m offering.

So join us! I promise you, it will be worth your time.