Highlights from the #DataLessons You Shared

Note: This piece is part of Back-to-School Month here on Tableau Public.

When we asked you to share #DataLessons (advice for people starting their data journey), the wisdom started flowing in! And once again, we were reminded of what a generous and thriving community we have.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced vizzer, we are sure that some of these tips will resonate with you as much as they did with us! Here are the highlights.

It's All About People (and Feedback)

The words "people" and "community" came up frequently in your tweets. As in every learning process, we progress through discussions and debates we have with like-minded people. Peers give us support and feedback to help us grow. As a newbie in the Tableau Public community, you will find plenty of ways to interact with other users. Share you work. Give feedback. Ask questions.

@tableau get involved in the #community and meet lots of like minded people. You can learn so much from them and have xtra fun #datalessons

— Eva Murray (@TriMyData) September 21, 2016

Be curious, ask for feedback often throughout the process #datalessons @tableau

— Fi Gordon (@VizChic) September 22, 2016

#datalessons Always be open, but also always question. Because like people, if not understood, data can appear false/fake/a lie. https://t.co/tdXmhMpdXZ

— Victor Allen (@alenurd) September 23, 2016

Learn to critique other people's work. It's easier to see something with fresh eyes & you'll learn new things along the way #datalessons

— Fi Gordon (@VizChic) September 22, 2016

Data Visualization: A Mix of Methodology and Creativity

Many of your tips also addressed dashboard design. Data visualization requires both cerebral hemispheres to work together as it involves both logical thinking and artistic endeavor. The #DataLessons you shared highlighted both methodology and creativity as key elements of data visualization.

Figure out what one record of #data represents & creating a #datadriven culture starts with enthusiasm and the right attitude. #datalessons

— Ann Jackson (@AnnUJackson) September 16, 2016

If you have a specific question, don't go down a different rabbit hole > especially if a deadline is involved #datalessons

— Alison Whitaker (@__Alliee) September 21, 2016

Design the viz as per the data rather than designing first and then trying to fit all the pieces of puzzle #datalessons

— Nachiket Dekhane (@NachiketDekhane) September 21, 2016

A chart doesn't have to be a line or a bar;a number doesn't have to be a table,a rating doesn't have to be a.Get creative #datalessons

— Simon Beaumont (@SimonBeaumont04) September 17, 2016

#DataLessons and Life Lessons

Finally, here's some advice that could apply to using Tableau and to living the good life:

@tableau be honest, always. #datalessons

— David Pires (@davidmpires) September 15, 2016

@tableau embrace failure and accept that there is no perfect viz #datalessons

— Michael Sanville (@mesanville) September 16, 2016

Oscar Wilde once said, "The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself." You exemplified this beautifully. But sorry, Oscar, we'll let Bridget Cogley have the last word here:

@tableau It's like learning to drive - chaotic at first, but then it all comes together. #DataLessons

— Bridget Cogley (@WindsCogley) September 15, 2016

Thank you again to our generous community members for sharing their advice!

Head over to Twitter to check out the full stream of #DataLessons.