A Human-Centred Framework for Ethical Data Visualization and Storytelling
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31436/ijpcc.v12i2.715Keywords:
Data Visualization Education, User Experience Design (UX), Tawhidic Epistemology (TE), Scaffolded Learning, Data StorytellingAbstract
As data visualization becomes central to decision-making across domains, educators must prepare students not only to master technical tools, but also to communicate data ethically and effectively. This paper presents a scaffolded instructional approach for teaching data storytelling in an undergraduate information visualization course. Students progressed from designing static infographic posters to building interactive dashboards using the same real-world dataset, guided by structured feedback, user experience (UX) principles, and reflective practice. The course design was informed by a faith-driven educational philosophy, embedding values from Tawhidic Epistemology (TE), such as intention (niyyah), responsibility (amanah), and reflective consultation (shura), into each stage of the learning process. Students worked in groups, selected socially relevant datasets (e.g., mental health, environment), and applied design principles grounded in cognitive theory and user empathy. Outcomes were measured through comparative grade analysis across two cohorts (before and after implementing the structured model), as well as qualitative reflections. Results show a significant improvement in academic performance and ethical awareness, with the later cohort achieving more A grades and reporting increased clarity, purpose, and confidence in their designs. This paper contributes a transferable pedagogical model that bridges technical training, design ethics, and values-based learning in data visualization education.
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