Advanced Diagramming

Explores the use and design of dynamic and interactive qualities for effective visualizations.

We will review current theories and examine real-world examples of data narratives, data visualization, and time-based visualizations, analyzing motion, narration, transitions, and other visual properties that can enhance comprehension. As this field is evolving and new tools emerging, the course will also look to define additional principles and hypothesis about good design practices.

Learning Objectives

We are in the midst of a visual revolution: cheaper tools, abundant data, easily available templates, and increasing computing power allow anyone to create visualizations and make stories from them. In spite of our intent, the resulting output is often just as complex as the content itself. This course will help students:

• Be versed in the different types of dynamic/interactive presentations
• Understand the strengths and benefits of dynamic presentations
• Be able to strategize how best to apply dynamic/interactive properties to complex information

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to apply dynamic/interactive properties to presentations
• Ability to critique existing visualizations in a constructive manner

Format & Grading

This is a hands-on course and students will create prototypes individually of dynamic visualizations as part of their activities.

• A 3 hour class for 7 weeks. Combination of lecture, and critique.
• Weekly assignments to apply concepts to develop their prototyping
• Final project: short video of the dynamic visualization representing concepts incorporated throughout the class.

Grades based on:

• Weekly assignments 10% x 5
• Final project: 10%
• Participation: 10%
• Attitude and effort: 10%
• Timeliness: 10%
• Contribution: 10%

Enrollment Restrictions

While this course is open to all students at the Institute of Design, it is STRONGLY recommended that Diagram Development be taken prior to this course. Students should be familiar with InDesign or equivalent page layout software