Recently, 3 internationally acknowledged experts in data visualisation presented at the Data Visualisation Masterclass held at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and sponsored by the CSIRO.

Data visualisation allows users to analyse and understand data better, not be limited by being two-dimensional only, and illustrate the stories behind the data. It encourages the exploration of complex data in engaging, interesting and compelling ways that are otherwise not possible. This is “visualisation”according to the Government funded Australian National Data Service (ANDS)[1]. ANDS is a partnership led by Monash University, working in collaboration with the Australian National University and the CSIRO.

There may have been limited opportunities to receive training in the emerging discipline of visualisation, or more specifically, visual information management. But this is not the case anymore. This is not a unique trend, as many other universities have similar courses on offer.[2] Industry is not far behind either. For example, the Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising (ADMA) offers an online data visualisation course. ADMA is the principal industry body for data-driven marketing and advertising and has over 600 corporate members including major financial institutions.

One reason why such courses are now mainstream is because data visualisation is a hot skill. Did you know, according to a recent search conducted on a leading job site, 108 full time “data visualisation” jobs are advertised, some paying a salary of “$160,000+”?[3]

For our many customers and readers, this should not come as a surprise. For example, back in 2014, we have already explored how law firms could respond to the changing business world by utilising visual information management technologies as a solution to minimise risk, stay competitive and adapt quickly to the business world as revolutionised by digital transformation. This is easily done through our visualisation platform Encompass. You can read more on this in the Encompass blog “Responding to the Revolution - Visual Information Management” here. You can also read more about digital transformation here. 

The universities surely know data visualisation and visual information management are here to stay. What about you? Would you embrace the technological solutions that provide a uniquely visual way to search, review and manage commercial information with unprecedented speed and ease? Find out more now. 

[1] http://www.ands.org.au/working-with-data/publishing-and-reusing-data/data-visualisation

 [2] For example, Swinburne University of Technology offers a course in 'Business Intelligence and Data Visualisation' (http://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/courses/units/Business-Intelligence-and-Data-Visualisation-INF30004/local)

 [3] Search conducted on 16 November 2016 on www.ideed.com for “data visualisation” jobs in Australia.