This class adopts a learning-by-doing approach and we take process very seriously! Students work in design studio-type classes. They are expected to participate in the conversation, provide constructive comments to peer’s work, sketch ideas, take notes, and come prepared each class to show progress. To fully understand design concepts and improve the quality of the work, students are encourage to visualize and prototype their ideas, and iterate many times.
The class is structured in three units:
- Unit 1: Understanding cognitive processes & design basics (learning process, cognition, Gestalt principles, color, visual composition, design principles)
- Unit 2: Applying design principles to explain science (design research, visual communication)
- Unit 3: building an argument with data (data visualization, storytelling, visual narrative)
Design For Understanding 