— with Ansgar Hudde (University of Cologne)
When: December 4, 2025, 10am–3:15pm
Where: Online only
Level: Beginner
Category: Data visualization, data analysis
Seats: Unlimited; open to QPD
Abstract: This workshop introduces researchers at any career level and students to effective scientific data visualization. Led by Ansgar Hudde, sociologist at the University of Cologne, the session explores how visualization not only communicates findings but also generates insights. Participants will learn to design clear, impactful visuals – from distributions and bivariate associations to regression plots, maps, and heatmaps – while mastering key design principles: color choice, labeling, axis ranges, transparency, and accessibility. The workshop includes a critical review of published visualizations, discussion of trade-offs between beauty and clarity, and practical guidance on storing and publishing figures (vector vs. pixel). A dedicated section allows participants to present their own visuals for feedback. Topics covered include text annotation, legends, font formatting, number presentation, and smoothing techniques. With real-world examples from social science research, this session equips attendees to enhance academic work and transferable skills in data journalism and beyond.
Dr. Ansgar Hudde is a lecturer in Sociology at the University of Cologne. He holds a PhD from the University of Bamberg and has held research and teaching positions at the University of Munich, Goethe University Frankfurt, Sciences Po Paris, Nuffield College at Oxford University, and will be a visiting scholar at Harvard’s Center for European Studies in 2026. His research focuses on political attitudes, family demography, and mobility and sustainability, published in journals such as Social Forces and Sociological Science. Data visualization is one of his central methodological interests.