Using an array of creative research methods, students will explore their environments, searching for data and identifying connective patterns, stories, and observations. They will collect and catalog their findings in evolving digital archives, iterating on modes of communication and techniques of design. Some topics to be covered include: Personal & Local Data, Documentary Drawing, Sensory Visualization, Data Collection, Information Graphics, and Interaction Design. Written responses and discussions of the work of data-driven artists, writers, filmmakers, designers, and engineers will provide context to these topics.
Students will practice and investigate these approaches through the production of small, weekly creative projects. In-class exercises and demonstrations will introduce assorted digital media tools and technologies. The course will culminate in the production of a larger creative data visualization project. This final project will be built on the foundation of one or more of the smaller weekly sketches, developed and iterated upon throughout the semester. Together, the class will share their research, highlighting stories and patterns via data uncovered during the semester.
