Data Visualization Needs Analysis and Training

At ICF International, a performance gap in data visualization skills was causing inconsistencies in reporting, leading to client dissatisfaction. As part of a major contract with a confidential client, the varying skill levels of the data reporting team were leading to suboptimal outcomes in grant spending reports, jeopardizing the clarity and effectiveness of the data visualizations provided to the client. To address this, Madi led a comprehensive needs analysis and training initiative to improve employee performance to meet the client’s expectations.

Objectives

The project aimed to elevate the quality of reports and restore client satisfaction by evaluating both individual skill disparities and team-wide processes. The goal of this project was to:

Identify skill gaps within ICF's data reporting team
Improve their ability to create clear and effective data visualizations
Ensure consistent adherence to the client’s reporting style guide

Audience

The primary audience for this initiative was the data reporting team within ICF’s Disaster Management Division. Although ICF International is a consulting firm, this specific team worked on the confidential client’s project full time.

Critical Project Elements

Needs Analysis: Conducted document reviews, stakeholder interviews, and formal observations of existing reporting processes to gather insights into the team's current skill levels and the client’s expectations.
Virtual, Instructor-led Training Session: Designed and delivered a 2 training sessions, including reference slides and a job aid for the participants. The training presented data visualization best practices and explained the client’s style guide.
Mural Board Exercise: Facilitated an interactive, gamified exercise using Mural to test information retention and provide hands-on practice, reinforcing the skills taught during the training.