The Design of Data

Our world is increasingly laden with many forms of measurable data. While visualizations and data graphics abound, the effectiveness of the stories they tell relies on thoughtful design. In this hands-on course, students will experiment with and practice the fundamental (mostly analog!) skills required for telling compelling stories with qualitative and quantitative data: asking better questions, exploring the unknown, sorting and synthesizing, drawing connections, prototyping, crafting, and presenting visual data stories. Students spend over half of the quarter exploring and visualizing data about themselves: fostering inquiry, discovery, and creation of personally meaningful stories and potential portfolio pieces. This class is for all experience levels, whether you have years of experience with data visualization, or are looking to explore what's possible -- together we will learn how to navigate and create at the intersection of data, design, and self-expression.